Turkish Journal of
GERIATRICS

Diyarbakır Asker Hastanesi, Başhemşire, DİYARBAKIR Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone density and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue with a consequent increase in bone fragility. This is currently one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among elderly over the world. Osteoporosis is three times more common in women than in men. The aetiology of osteoporosis is multifactorial. The cardinal features of osteoporosis are pain, fracture and deformity. Fracture prevention is a major public health issue. Strategies to achieve this may be either population- based or targeted at high-risk groups. Addressing modifiable risk factors for osteoporosis and fractures is an important component of both approaches. Smoking is a risk factor for bone loss and fractures. For this reason, detailed data about risk factors should be collected from patients, and patients should be questioned about smoking and educated by health team. This article reviews evidences regarding the effects of smoking on bone health. Moreover, recommendations for health care professionals are listed. Keywords : Fracture, Osteoporosis, Smoking