Symptoms of Hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia

Calcium is an essential element that plays a major role in many vital functions in the body. Calcium is a functional and structural component of many organs of the body such as bones, muscles, and nerves, and it has an important role in complex vital processes such as blood clotting, bone building, and muscle contraction, To ensure the safety of these organs and functions, calcium in the blood must remain limited to specific rates. and, in certain cases, high levels of calcium in the blood in what is known as hypercalciuria, which is due to different and varying risk causes, This article discusses the main symptoms of hypercalcemia, its causes, and methods of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Causes of hypercalcemia

Besides its role in building bones and teeth, calcium helps in muscle contraction and connecting nerve signals, Typically, if blood calcium levels decrease, the neighboring glands release a hormone that elevates calcium levels with different mechanisms such as increased absorption of calcium in the gut and from bones in addition to stimulating the kidneys to stimulate more vitamin D and reduce the excretion of calcium in urinary channels, Hypercalcium or hypocalcemia occurs when there is an imbalance in this complex system that aims to maintain calcium levels, the reasons for which include:

Hyperthyroidism of neighboring glands: The most common cause among hypercalcemia cases is hyperthyroidism of neighboring glands, which can be overactive due to a secretive tumor in one of the four glands or due to enlarged thyroid glands can be benign functional inflation.

Cancer: Some cancers such as lung cancer and breast cancer increase the chance of calcium imbalance which can lead to hypercalcemia, and the prevalence of cancer in bones causes damage to bone tissue which blinds the release of calcium into the blood.

Other diseases: Some diseases – such as tuberculosis and sarcoidosis – can raise vitamin D levels in the blood, stimulating the patient’s digestive tract to absorb more calcium.

Genetic factors: A rare genetic disorder known as hypocalcemia causes family calcium to increase blood calcium due to its erroneous stimulation of calcium receptors in the body, but this condition is benign and does not cause any symptoms or complications due to calcium.

Paralysis: Paralysis or staying in a certain position for a long time leads to the bone secretion of calcium in the blood, which significantly increases the level of calcium in the blood.

Dehydration: Dehydration is a common cause of hypercalcemia in older patients because dehydration reduces fluid in the blood which increases the concentration of ions and salts, including calcium.

Drugs: Some drugs such as lithium may increase the secretion of the neighbor’s hormone thyroid which means increased levels of calcium in the blood.

Supplements: Taking large amounts of calcium or vitamin D supplements over time can raise blood calcium levels above normal.

Symptoms of hypercalcemia

Hypercalcium symptoms do not appear if the rise is relatively mild and ineffective, as can hypercalciuria symptoms, as well as other symptoms caused by the appearance of the underlying disease such as cancers or dehydration, symptoms, include:

Excessive thirst and frequent urination: hypercalciuria increases the stress on the kidneys, as the kidneys work to get excess calcium out of the blood through urine, resulting in increased urination and constant thirst due to dehydration.

Stomach and digestive pain: Hypercalcium causes stomach disorders, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

Bone pain and muscle weakness: Hypercalcium in the blood can be caused by the degradation of bone tissue, resulting in bone and muscle pain that the patient will experience.

Confusion, lethargy, and fatigue: hypercalciuria in the blood can negatively affect the brain and nerves causing symptoms such as confusion, fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

High blood pressure and irregular heartbeat: high levels of calcium can increase blood pressure and lead to dysmorphia of the heart, which can cause the appearance of some type of irregular heart rhythm.

Diagnosis of hypercalcemia

The doctor can use blood tests to examine the level of calcium in the blood. Urine tests that measure the level of calcium, protein, and other elements in the urine must be done. If high levels of calcium are detected, the doctor will begin the tests that look for the cause of the increase. These tests include all of the following:

Examine the level of the gardaí hormone in blood and urine.

Chest X-rays can detect lung cancer.

Mammograms help diagnose breast cancer.

CT and MRI scans give a more detailed picture of the body.

DEXA tests for bone metal density examination.

Treatment of hypercalcemia

People with mild hypercalcemia may not need treatment levels may return to normal over time, but of course, the doctor will monitor calcium levels and kidney function in this period and if calcium levels continue to rise or do not improve on their own, It is necessary to start the diagnostic process to determine the appropriate treatment, potential treatments include fluids and intravenous drugs that reduce calcium such as calcitonin or biphosphonate, The underlying major condition of high calcium in the blood must also be treated.

Prevention of hypercalcemia

Some lifestyle changes can help maintain a balance of calcium levels in the blood, bone, and muscle health, and these changes include what comes:

Drinking too much water: Drinking water and increasing fluids may lower blood calcium levels, helping prevent the formation of kidney stones.

Quitting smoking: Smoking can increase bone degradation, so smoking should be quit to reduce this risk and other risks such as cancer, heart disease, etc.

Follow the guidelines for medicines and supplements: supplements and vitamins should be taken with caution to avoid increasing these elements from their natural limits.