What Causes Hypercalcemia and How is it Managed?
What Causes Hypercalcemia and How is it Managed?
The Big Picture
Hypercalcemia, or high calcium levels in the blood, can cause a range of health issues. Understanding its causes and management is crucial for maintaining good health.
Contents
- Understanding Hypercalcemia
- Causes of Hypercalcemia
- Diagnosis and Severity
Understanding Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia occurs when there is too much calcium in the blood. It can lead to symptoms ranging from mild constipation to severe confusion and coma. The severity of symptoms often depends on the calcium levels and how quickly they rise.
Causes of Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia can result from various conditions, including primary hyperparathyroidism and cancer. It can also be caused by excessive vitamin D intake or certain medications. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment.
Diagnosis and Severity
Doctors diagnose hypercalcemia by measuring serum calcium levels. They also consider ionized calcium levels, which provide a more accurate reflection of calcium status. The severity is classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on calcium concentrations.
FAQs
What is hypercalcemia?
Hypercalcemia is a condition where there's too much calcium in the blood.
What causes hypercalcemia?
It can be caused by conditions like hyperparathyroidism, cancer, or excessive vitamin D intake.
How is hypercalcemia diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made by measuring serum and ionized calcium levels.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms range from mild constipation to severe confusion.
Wrapping Up
Understanding the causes and symptoms of hypercalcemia is the first step to effective management.
Additional References
- Bilezikian JP. Management of hypercalcemia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1993; 77:1445.
- Walker MD, Shane E. Hypercalcemia: A Review. JAMA 2022; 328:1624.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.