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.

Continue reading to learn about more warning signs of hypercalcemia.