Hypercalcemia Causes

Calcium is a mineral which plays a pivotal role in the formation of strong bones and teeth. However, if the level of calcium in the body elevates to a significantly high level, then it can cause several health problems. The normal range for calcium is 9 to 10.5 mg/dL. The condition of elevated levels of calcium in the body is referred as hypercalcemia. A significantly high calcium level can interfere with various vital processes taking place within our body. This can eventually manifest in several clinical symptoms. Many times, an abnormally high level of calcium can also be a sign of certain diseases and disorders.

High Level of Calcium in the Body
Calcium is basically found in the bones and certain muscle cells of the body. The excess of this mineral is excreted through the urine, in order to maintain the normal level of calcium in the body. The level of calcium in the body is maintained by mainly two hormones, parathyroid hormone and calcitonin. Several factors can cause the level of calcium to rise in the body, out of which the most common causes are explained below:

• The main cause is the over production of parathyroid hormone, by the overactive parathyroid glands. Usually when the level of calcium reduces in the body, the parathyroid glands produce more parathyroid hormone, while in case of a high level of calcium, less of this hormone is released into the body, in order to maintain the normal level of calcium. Overactivity of any of the four parathyroid glands can disturb the way in which the level of calcium is regulated in the body.
• This is a common problem among the cancer sufferers, especially those who have lung and breast cancer. Even people with bone cancer have an increased risk for having this condition.
• People who cannot mobilize due to certain diseases can develop this condition. The bones no longer have to bear weight, when a person becomes bed-bound for a prolonged times period, which eventually causes the bones to release calcium into the blood.
• Many times, granulomas, which results from injury, infection or inflammation of the tissues can raise the level of calcitriol (a form of vitamin D) in the body. Calcitriol stimulates the absorption of more calcium in the digestive tract, which can raise the level of this mineral. Granulomatus diseases like, tuberculosis can cause the level of calcium to elevate, due to the same reason.
• It can also be caused by a rare genetic condition, known as familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia. This condition causes the blood calcium levels to rise.
• In addition to these, some other causes are, hyperthyroidism, presence of excessive vitamin D in the body, either due to supplementation or excess dietary intake, use of medications like, lithium and thiazide diuretics, adrenal failure, kidney failure, inherited kidney or metabolic conditions and dehydration.

Hypercalcemia Symptoms
It may not produce any symptom at times, especially if the level of calcium rises slightly. A severe case of hypercalcemia can however, produce the following symptoms

• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle and joint pain
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Nausea and vomiting
• Excessive thirst
• Increased urination
• Confusion

Treatment for Hypercalcemia
A proper treatment plan can be designed only after identifying the underlying causes. Usually, a severe case can require hospitalization of the patient, in order to bring back the calcium level to the normal range. For doing so, physicians can opt for intravenous fluid administration, increase in salt intake and diuresis. Additionally, they can administer calcitonin, bisphosphonates and glucocorticoids. Surgery can be considered if abnormal parathyroid glands and adrenal gland are associated with hypercalcemia. If it is caused by cancer, then usual cancer treatments have to be employed.

Treatment depends mainly on the underlying factors. Therefore, knowledge about the various causes and risk factors is very important to ensure prompt and effective treatment of the condition. People who have an increased risk for the condition need to be more careful. If not treated on time, severe hypercalcemia can lead to complications like, osteoporosis, formation of kidney stones, abnormal heart rhythm, kidney failure and nervous system dysfunction.