These devices measure bone density by ultrasound technology. It is inexpensive, portable and there is no radiation exposure. Several studies have shown it to be a good predictor of fracture risk. It is sometimes called Quantitative Ultrasound(QUS).

However, ultrasound is not recommended to monitor osteoporosis long term because of limited precision of machine and fact that bone mass at peripheral sites (e.g. heel) changes very slowly. If an ultrasound test reveals an abnormal result we suggest obtaining a confirmatory DXA scan of hip and spine.

It is also possible to use Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) to measure bone density. It is used less often than DXA. It is more expensive, less reproducible and emits a higher radiation dose than DXA.

So let's talk a little about DXA. DXA is short for Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry. It is also known as DEXA, Bone Densitometry or Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test/scan. It is really 'gold standard' of bone density measurement techniques. DXA uses a very low radiation dose. The radiation is equivalent to dose received when flying on an airplane from San Francisco to New York! So as you can see exposure is minimal, but you should NOT undergo a scan if there is any chance of you being pregnant. DXA measures BMD in one hip and in lumbar spine. A few centers will measure both hips. Smaller, more mobile peripheral DXA devices are also used(pDXA). Talk to your physician about which Bone Density Test is available in your area.

So when you have had your scan you will be given a t-score. This is a statistical number that compares your bone density to that of a young adult. The more negative t-score worse your bone density. The lower t-score higher your risk of fracture. Take a look at this scale to see where your t-score lies.

The World Health Organisation classifies your t-score as follows:

T-SCORE better than -1.0 is NORMAL

T-SCORE from -1.0 to -2.5 is OSTEOPENIA

T-SCORE -2.5 or worse is OSTEOPOROSIS

Remember how miserable you felt when you last had a cold? Can you imagine what your baby must feel when he experiences a cold for first time?

Viruses are responsible for causing colds. Infected people spread viruses when they sneeze or cough nearby healthy people. The virus gets into nose and throat where it multiplies.

What Are The Symptoms?

When your baby has a cold, there will be a number of symptoms. He will be sneezing and have a runny nose. He may have a sore throat and it may be difficult for him to swallow. His glands may become swollen.

He may not feel like eating much and he could become irritable. A cough may develop. He may get a slight fever or have a body temperature of 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If your baby is three months old or less and has cold like symptoms, you should contact a pediatrician immediately. Cold like symptoms in a baby three months old or less are misleading and could lead to a serious ailment.

On other hand, if your child is more than three months old you should contact a doctor if you notice that he is breathing loudly and his nostrils expand out with each breath. His nails or lips are becoming blue. His mucus is thick, runny and green. He has a cough that hasn’t gone a way for more than a week. His ears ache. His temperature is more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit. He has become more drowsy or grouchy.