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Hello Anon
Thank you for writing.
For the benefit of our readers - high blood calcium (hypercalcemia) is like it sounds -– too much calcium in the blood. Some persons have slightly high levels of calcium with no symptoms. This is no cause for alarm. Your doctor will just monitor this area for any changes at your annual check-ups. However, there are times when the calcium levels are so high that it causes damage to the body.
When the calcium levels reach a very high point, the thyroid gland releases the hormone, calcitonin. This hormone slows the rate of calcium being released from your bones. However, with hypercalcemia, this process is disrupted. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as:
Overactive parathyroid gland – this is the main cause of hypercalcemia.
Cancer - with some cancers (breast, lung and multiple myeloma) the malignant tumor actually produces a protein that mimics the parathyroid hormone and tricks the body to produce more calcium than needed.
Other diseases – such as, tuberculosis and sarcoidosis, cause inflammation where tissue is injured and as a result, raises vitamin D levels. Elevated vitamin D (calcitriol) makes your digestive system absorb more calcium, causing the body to produce more at a faster rate.
Sick people who have to spend a lot of time resting – inactivity produces a risk of calcium buildup because bones will eventually release calcium into the blood.
Certain medications – excessive or long use of medications/supplements such as lithium, thiazide diuretics, calcium or vitamin D.
Dehydration – although not permanent and mild in most cases, when dehydrated (less fluid present in blood) calcium level rises.
If hypercalcemia is not treated accordingly, there are health risks that can develop too. Osteoporosis, kidney stones and/or failure, nervous system dysfunction and abnormal heart rhythm are all listed by the Mayo clinic.
Severe hypercalcemia will be more than likely treated while hospitalized. It will be very important to bring calcium levels down so no further damage will develop. When doctors have stabilized calcium levels, further treatment will depend on what the core problems is. For example, if the problem is severe primary hyperparathyroidism, your doctor may recommend removal of the parathyroid gland(s). However, the patient has to be able to withstand surgery. If surgery will be too risky, the attending doctor will try certain medications.
Your child's progress depends on why your child has this condition, and how far advanced it is. A treatment plan should begin immediately.
Best,
May 14, 2018 - 4:39amSusan
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