When you have hypocalcemia, the calcium level within your blood becomes too low. Normal calcium levels are necessary to form your bones, contract your muscles, release hormones and help your nerves and brain perform correctly. Hypocalcemia can show a range from no symptoms to very severe. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatments will vary.
Causes of Hypercalcemia
According to Merck Manuals, hypocalcemia is the result of too much calcium being excreted into your urine, or calcium not moving from your bones into your blood. Other causes include low levels of parathyroid hormone (due to damage during thyroid surgery), being born without parathyroid glands, and low levels of magnesium. You can also develop hypocalcemia due to a vitamin D deficiency, kidney dysfunction, the inability to consume calcium, pancreatitis or medications such as antibiotics or anticonvulsants.
Symptoms
Initially, you may not feel any symptoms. According to Merck Manuals, symptoms include confusion, delirium, depression, memory loss and hallucinations. Once your calcium levels are restored, these symptoms no longer appear. Other symptoms include tingling of lips, tongue and tips of your fingers or toes. You may also experience muscle aches and spasms, difficulty in breathing, seizures and abnormal heartbeats.
Diagnosis
A blood test can catch the condition before symptoms become severe. Blood tests can also be conducted on your kidneys to see how they are functioning. Magnesium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone levels and vitamin D levels are also measured.
Supplements
According to Dr. Daniel J. Drucker of the University of Toronto, calcium supplementation is the recommended course of treatment. At times, vitamin D may be necessary to help the calcium get absorbed into your body. It is important to take the supplements according to your doctor's recommendations. Too much calcium or vitamin D can result in the formation of kidney stones and impairment of your kidney function.
Thiazide Diuretics
Sometimes when taking calcium supplements and vitamin D, large amounts of calcium can get excreted through your urine, which can exacerbate symptoms. Taking a small amount of diuretics may help reduce the excretion of calcium. Your doctor may prescribe thiazide diuretics. According to Dr. Drucker, the use of thiazide diuretics can help those who have severe hypocalcemia, as a form of long-term treatment.
Diet
Eating foods that contain calcium can help keep your calcium levels balanced. Red beans, kale, collard greens, sardines, salmon, dairy foods, oranges and orange juice are good sources of calcium.
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