What is hypercalcemia?
It is a condition wherein the level of calcium in blood reaches above normal. Excess calcium level in the blood tends to cause kidney stones, weaken the bones and affects the proper functioning of brain and heart. Usually, overactive parathyroid glands lead hypercalcemia. Few of its other causes are cancer, certain medications and too much consumption of vitamin D and calcium supplements. Its symptoms can range from mild to severe, whereas its treatment depends upon its causal trigger.
What are the symptoms of hypercalcemia?
In case the condition is mild, then the person suffering from it may not observe any visible signs; however severe hypercalcemia cases tend to cause signs related to the body parts affected due to high levels of calcium present in the blood. Such as:
- Digestive system: it can cause constipation, vomiting, nausea and an upset stomach.
- Kidneys: it causes the kidneys to function even harder in order to filter excess calcium out. Such may lead extreme thirst, followed by frequent urge to urinate.
- Brain: it can interfere with the functioning of brain, leading in fatigue, lethargy and confusion.
- Muscles and bones: rarely, it causes muscle weakness, however in many cases, it weakens the bones.
What causes hypercalcemia?
The condition is caused due to the following factors:
- Overactive parathyroid glands.
- Breast and lung cancer.
- Other diseases for example sarcoidosis and tuberculosis.
- Immobility.
- Certain medications for example lithium.
- Vitamin D and calcium supplements.
- Dehydration.
Mention the potential complications hypercalcemia can lead?
Certain complications associated with hypercalcemia include:
- Kidney stones.
- Osteoporosis.
- Kidney failure.
- Problems related to nervous system.
- Arrhythmia.
How is hypercalcemia diagnosed?
In most cases, the condition does not tend to cause any visible signs or symptoms, until your routine blood tests reveal abnormal levels of calcium in the blood. In order to find out if the condition is triggered due to a causal problem, for example sarcoidosis or cancer, the doctor can suggest imaging tests of the lungs or bones.
How is hypercalcemia treated?
Wait and watch approach, is what your doctor can suggest in case of suffering from its mild form. By the time, the doctor will monitor your kidneys and bones to be certain that the condition is not causing any harm to them. However, in certain cases, the doctor can also prescribe some medications, such as:
- Calcimimetics.
- Bisphosphonates.
- Prednisone.
- IV diuretics and fluids.
The doctor can recommend surgery for the problems linked with the overactive parathyroid glands.
Prevention and home remedies:
In case your doctor diagnosed hypercalcemia, you can act on the following in order to prevent any damage to your kidney and bone:
- Remain active, and exercise regularly for at least twenty five minutes a day.
- Do not smoke, if you do, quit smoking.
- Excessive intake of fluid is important, especially water. Drink at least 12 -14 glasses of water a day.
By : Natural Health News
