Warning Signs Of Hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia is a condition wherein the calcium level in the blood is above normal. This is usually the result of overactive parathyroid glands, which are small glands located behind the thyroid gland. Additional causes include cancer, certain medications, and other medical disorders. Patients with this condition can experience weaken bones, kidney stones, and interference in the functionality of the brain and heart. There is treatment available for hypercalcemia, but it is dependent on the cause in the patient. Patients who have hypercalcemia can experience no symptoms or very severe symptoms. Those who do experience symptoms should seek out their doctor immediately for treatment.

Excessive Thirst And Urination

When there is an excess of calcium in the blood, the kidneys have to work harder than usual to filter it out. This ultimately leads to excessive thirst and urination. Because your kidneys are working harder than they normally would be, your body requires much more water than you are used to. However, because your kidney has to filter out this excess calcium, it ultimately ends up in your urine. Over time, crystals form and may even combine to create kidney stones, which is considered a complication of hypercalcemia and can be extremely painful to deal with. To prevent this from happening, your doctor will likely provide medications or IV fluids to lower calcium in the blood and return the body to normal.

Constipation

Hypercalcemia can affect more than just the urinary tract. Because hypercalcemia is a condition that affects the blood, it can lead to effects throughout the entire body, including in the digestive system. In addition to constipation, those who suffer from hypercalcemia can see an increase of stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting. In the event you have hypercalcemia and do notice constipation as a symptom, be sure to contact your doctor for more information about treatment as well as maintenance to reduce the level of disruption in your life. Your doctor can then determine if overactive parathyroid glands caused your hypercalcemia.

Fatigue

The side effects of hypercalcemia extend to all parts of the body, not just the urinary and the digestive tracts. In fact, in severe cases of hypercalcemia, the mind can even be affected. As a matter of fact, it can cause confusion and lethargy in addition to fatigue. In some severe cases, it may even cause depression. If this is the case for you, you may need to be hospitalized, as your hypercalcemia may be more serious. Your doctor can then administer the necessary tests to determine the cause and provide treatment. In some instances, it may be necessary to receive IV fluids as well as diuretics to lower the calcium as quickly as possible to prevent any permanent damage to the nervous system.

Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations are a part of a greater set of symptoms that may occur in rare cases of hypercalcemia. These are often the most intense and the most severe symptoms, and patients who note any changes to their heart function should contact their doctor immediately to avoid severe consequences. In addition to heart palpitations, other symptoms related to their heart's function patients may note are fainting, indications of cardiac arrhythmia, and additional heart problems. Patients who see these symptoms will likely be referred to an endocrinologist who will recommend the best treatment options for continual care. Often in these cases, the patient will have to be hospitalized to begin recovery.

Bone Pain

Bone pain is a common symptom of hypercalcemia because the actual calcium found in excess in the blood is often a result of the body leaching the calcium from the bones, leaving the bones in a weak state. In addition to the bones experiencing weakness and pain, the muscles themselves can also fall victim to this. Given enough time, your bones will thin to a point where they will develop a disease called osteoporosis. This disease could lead to bone fractures, spinal column curvature, and loss of height. When you go to the doctor for this symptom, you will probably be given treatment directed at osteoporosis to help improve hypercalcemia as a result of it.