Adults Who are Affected by OI

Summary: Basic Information for Adults

• Often there are fewer fractures after the end of puberty (late teens).
• Additional bone loss from osteoporosis on top of OI is common.
• Taking care of your general health makes a difference.
• Exercise as possible in a safe and regular manner.
• Maintain a healthy weight; extra weight is a strain on your skeleton and heart
• Do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke; smoking is a problem for bones and lungs.
• Follow a healthy diet with adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D.
• Monitor respiratory health especially if you have scoliosis or compression fractures of the spine.
• Protect your hearing.
• Take safety precautions; trauma from accidents is a leading cause of death.
• Use seat belts in vehicles and wheelchairs.
• Be alert to situations at home and away that could cause a fall.
• OI is a collagen disorder so more than bones are affected.
• Fallen arches are common.
• Old injuries to feet ankles or knees may become a problem due to loose ligaments.
• For most types of OI there is a 50 percent chance of passing OI on to your children.
• Adults who have OI have the same risk as other American adults for developing cancer, diabetes, and heart problems.

This list is a summary of information found in more detail in fact sheets available in the Information Center. Here is a sample of some titles that contain information that is useful to Adults who have OI.

NEW! Respiratory Issues

Adults: Maintaining Health
Adults & Fracture Care
Planning a Family
Adoption and Foster Parent information
Pregnancy: Women who have OI
Pregnancy: Expecting a Child with OI
Calculating a Healthy Weight
Exercise & Activity
Hearing Loss and OI
Cochlear Implants
How to Prevent hearing Loss
Hepatitis C and OI
Home Modification
Nutrition
Osteoporosis
Respiratory Issues
Social and Emotional Issues of Living with OI
Talking with your Primary Care Physician
Travel
Understanding Social Security

Please use the links at the top of this page to connect to other sections of this web site. Every section contains items of interest to Adults who have OI.