Hypercalcemia

What is Hypercalcemia?

An abnormally high level of calcium in the blood that is considered when there is more than 10.5 milligrams (approx) illustrates the condition that is described as Hypercalcemia. Yes the same calcium that has a role to play in strengthening our bones apart from helping in the contraction of muscles, release of hormones and maintaining nerve and brain function also can interfere with these processes if present more than required. This disease is caused due to overactivity of one or more glands, which regulate the amount of calcium in the blood. Cancer and intake of excessive calcium supplements also can be a cause of Hypercalcemia.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypercalcemia

In case of mild Hypercalcemia there is a possibility that the symptoms can be overlooked but in case of severe Hypercalcemia the symptoms are all or any of the following:

• Excessive thirst
• Weakness in the muscles
• Confusion
• Feeling of Lethargy and Fatigue
• Constipation
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Pain in the Abdomen
• Frequent Urination
• Aches in Muscles and Joints

In some cases stones in the kidney can also be formed from the wastes. There can be increase in the blood pressure levels as well. It is not necessary that the symptoms become severe with the increase in the level of calcium in the blood. A person suffering from Hypercalcemia might go through depression and mood swings.

Causes of Hypercalcemia

The glands that determine the amount of calcium in the human body are called Parathyroid glands; thus of these glands start behaving abnormally there can be chance of calcium imbalance in the body. The body stores calcium primarily in the bones of the body and in certain cell as well. In spite of the stored calcium that the body has we do consume more calcium in food products like cheese, milk and green vegetables. In case of excess calcium the body removes it through urine.

Parathyroid hormone and Calcitonin act as regulators of the calcium levels in our body so when the level of calcium in the body decreases the secretion of parathyroid hormone increases which leads to increase in the level of Calcium as well. Similarly when the level of calcium rises the secretion of hormones is also lesser. The excess calcium is absorbed by the digestive tract and is excreted out of the body. The body itself is complete in itself mechanisms according to which, whenever the calcium level in the body increase more than it should a hormone called Calcitonin is released which slows the release of calcium from the bones. The causes of Hypercalcemia are as follows:

• Overactivity
• Certain types of Cancer produce a protein that stimulates the release of calcium.
• Other diseases like Sarcoidosis also increase the risk of Hypercalcemia

Treatment of Hypercalcemia

Treatment can be done with the help of Intravenous fluids, which help in rehydrating the body and hemodialysis, which removes the excess waste, also helps. Glucocorticoids and Loop diuretic medications also help. At times when the disease reaches the later stages it can be treated by surgery, which deals in locating the abnormal gland.