Ways To Treat Hypocalcemia

Calcium is an essential mineral the human body needs to stay strong. Receiving an adequate amount of calcium is important because calcium works to strengthen bones and encourage bone growth. It is also necessary to heal injured bones and improve muscle function. A deficiency of calcium in the body can be very detrimental to overall health. The condition of the body producing insufficient amounts of calcium is known as hypocalcemia. In its early stages, symptoms can be unnoticeable or very minor. In later stages, symptoms of hypocalcemia become more apparent and severe. These signs include muscle sensitivity, cramping, facial twitching, the sensation of pins and needles in the extremities, irritability, and even seizures. Listed below are several forms of treatment for hypocalcemia.

Consultation With A Doctor

It is important to see a doctor if symptoms of hypocalcemia become apparent. Many factors can cause inadequate amounts of calcium in the body. For instance, thyroid cancer removal can cause the body to develop poor absorption of vitamin D. Autoimmune disorders can also affect the way the body metabolizes vitamin D (the antibodies work to block the calcium-sensing receptors). Taking specific medicines can cause a deficit of vitamin D as well. Since there are so many culprits, a consultation with a doctor is critical for an in-depth assessment of why calcium is low. The doctor will perform many tests to accurately identify the cause of calcium deficiency. They will check to see how well your kidneys and other organs are working. Once they have fully assessed the test results, they will discuss treatment options and will want to arrange follow-up care to ensure the vitamin D shortage is corrected. It is important to see a doctor consistently and not miss any appointments.

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Adjust Dietary Calcium Intake

Poor dietary choices and malnutrition can also cause hypocalcemia. The daily recommended amount of calcium consumption for adults should be around one thousand milligrams. Eating certain foods will help correct any vitamin D shortages the body is experiencing. It is important to adjust dietary calcium intake to include foods like eggs, cheese, milk, and yogurt. Dark green, leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, also have an abundance of calcium. Fish with edible soft bones, such as canned salmon and sardines, are another way to get a nice dose of calcium. There are also calcium-enriched foods and drinks, like cereal and juices, that help with increasing vitamin D in the body. There are many dietary options to choose from.

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Monitoring In A Hospital Environment

Doctors will determine if hypocalcemia is mild or severe. If it is severe, then frequent visits to the hospital will be required until the problem is solved. Usually, severe symptoms are indicators monitoring in a hospital environment is necessary. A specialist, usually an endocrinologist, will perform clinical tests, and the results will be evaluated. Doctors have to consider other factors such as family history, past illnesses, and genetic sequencing when they are determining the state of calcium deficiency in the patient's body. These important and detailed critical lab tests involve measuring serum phosphate, magnesium, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D.

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Increased Exposure To The Sun

The sun emits rays called ultraviolet rays. These sun rays naturally provide the body with vitamin D. Increased exposure to the sun will help supply the body with this substantial mineral. It is important to get sun exposure during the middle of a sunny day to benefit from the ultraviolet rays and get the maximum amount of vitamin D.

However, some conditions affect the efficacy of the absorption of vitamin D from the sun's rays. For instance, those with pale skin make vitamin D more quickly than those with darker skin. Location determines how effectively vitamin D is dispensed as well. Individuals living closest to the equator will get the maximum benefit of vitamin D from the sun. Those further from the equator, are further from the sun and as a result, have limited exposure to the sun's rays.

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Administer Calcium Intravenously

Administering calcium intravenously is preferred by some because the rate of absorption is faster than oral ingestion. If calcium supplements are taken orally, they will travel through the stomach, liver, and intestines before being absorbed into the bloodstream. There are two ways to issue calcium intravenously. The first way is by injecting a human-made active form of vitamin D into the body. This is a shot that is usually given three times a week by the doctor. The second way is by getting infusion therapy with an IV vitamin D drip. Vitamin D is infused into an IV bag, which is introduced to the body (usually through the arm) for maximum absorption.