Question

Mrs. Johnson, a 78 yrs. old African-American woman who lives in Bangor, Maine. She rarely goes outside because of her health and concern for her safety as she lives in a high crime rate area of the city. She has been diagnosed with osteomalacia and lactose intolerance. What factors likely contributed to the osteomalacia diagnosis and why?

Answer 1

Definition of Osteomalacia: Weekening of bones is called Osteomalacia.

Factors contributing to Osteomalacia:

1. Lack of Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps to build calcium and phosporus level which in turn helps bone development.

Some diseases can interfere with the absorbtion of Vtamin D.They are:

• Kidney and liver diseases that affect the absorption of vitamin D.
• Celiac diseases that damages the inner lining of intestines and hence affect the absorption of Vitamin D.

2. Low level Calcium: Can cause Pain in the bone

3. Low level Phosphorus: Can lead to breakage of bones.

4. Some seizure medication can cause Osteomalacia.

5. If kidneys cannot handle acids properly, then too osteomalacia can occur.

6. Lack of proper exposure to Sunlight can cause osteomalacia.

7. Through surgery if any part of the intestine is removed, then too osteomalacia can occur because the absorption of vitamin D will not take place properly.

Hence, these are the contributing factors which can lead to osteomalacia.