Question

Hypercalcemia procautions

Answer 1

Calcitonin is an endocrine hormone secreted by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland and it is involved in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. Calcitonin is released during the conditions of high calcium levels, it decreases the calcium concentration in the blood. High plasma concentrations of calcium (hypercalcemia) stimulate the calcitonin release. Calcitonin decreases the blood calcium levels so that the stimulus triggering its release also suppressed. This is a negative feedback regulation.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is secreted by the parathyroid gland, PTH increases the calcium levels of plasma and extracellular fluid by increasing the absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract, renal tubules, and by increasing the calcium resorption from bones. PTH also increases the osteoclast activity and rise the blood calcium levels. So, the hyperactivity of PTH, and hypoactivity of calcitonin increase the blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia).

Certain lung diseases and cancers can also lead to hypercalcemia.

The symptoms of hypercalcemia include, headache, and muscle fatigue. The patient also experience an increased rate of urination, excessive thirst, constipation, abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmias, muscle pains, osteoporosis, increase in the tendency to fractures, and bone pain.

Precautions to avoid hypercalcemia:

• Avoiding too much intake of calcium and vitamin D supplements
• Identifying the hormonal imbalances
• Receiving treatment for the underlying causes that can lead to hypercalcemia