ABSTRACT

In the literature, there is a growing evidence that cigarette smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis. There have been numerous studies indicating that smoking is negatively inversely associated with bone mass and fracture risk. However, the magnitude of this relationship and the reversibilty of smoking-associated bone loss remains unclear. In this case report, we have presented a postmenopausal woman with severe osteoporosis in whom cigarette smoking was identified as a major risk factor. Although primary effort has been directed towards appropriate pharmacological therapy, it should be kept in mind that recommendations for lifestyle alterations such as cessation of smoking should be an integral part of treatment in patients with osteoporosis. (Turkish Journal of Osteoporosis 2011;17:62-7)