Numerous biological processes, including muscular contraction, neuron transmission, and bone health, depend heavily on calcium. Conditions like Hypocalcemia can arise when calcium levels drop below the normal range.
What Is Calcium and What Is It Used for?
Calcium is one of the most crucial and common minerals in your body. Although your bones hold the majority of the calcium in your body, your blood also needs calcium.
Your blood contains calcium, which supports healthy neuron function, helps your muscles contract so you can move, aids in blood clotting in case of bleeding, and supports healthy heart function. Hypocalcemia, a low blood calcium level, might impair your body's capacity to carry out these critical processes. Additionally, calcium is necessary for strong bones.
What Is Hypocalcemia?
Hypocalcemia is a medical disorder that is characterized by a critically low quantity of calcium in the blood. The symptoms of calcium deficiency depend on how mild or severe it is. Hypocalcemia is a treatable short-term condition but if left untreated, it can be chronic as well.
What Are the Causes of Hypocalcemia?
A number of possible Hypocalcemia causes are:
Lack of vitamin D: Vitamin D is necessary for the body to absorb calcium in the intestines. A lack might cause the blood's calcium levels to drop.
Hypoparathyroidism: PTH, which controls calcium levels, is produced by the parathyroid glands. When these glands are inactive, less PTH is produced, which results in hypocalcemia.
Disorders of Malabsorption: Conditions like celiac disease that alter vitamin absorption in the intestines might cause insufficient calcium absorption.
Chronic Kidney Disease: The kidneys play a crucial role in preserving the calcium balance in the body. The kidneys' inability to retain calcium in chronic renal disease may lead to lower blood calcium levels.
Acute Pancreatitis: Pancreatic inflammation can result in calcium being deposited in tissues, temporarily lowering blood calcium levels.
Certain Medications: Drugs that affect calcium absorption or metabolism, such as diuretics and anticonvulsants, can cause hypocalcemia.
What Are the Symptoms of Hypocalcemia?
Some of the severe Hypocalcemia symptoms are:
- Uncontrollable muscle spasm or contraction.
- Numbness and tingling especially in the hands, feet, and mouth area.
- Mood disturbances such as irritability and confusion.
- Weakness and exhaustion.
- Abnormal heartbeat.
- Dry and brittle nails.
- Seizures may occur in extreme cases.
Also Read – Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Symptoms, Causes and Tests
How to Treat Hypocalcemia?
Hypocalcemia treatment aims to increase blood calcium levels while also addressing the underlying cause. It may involve:
Calcium Supplements: Calcium levels can be raised by taking oral calcium supplements, such as calcium carbonate or calcium citrate.
Vitamin D supplement: Vitamin D supplements are recommended to improve calcium absorption if vitamin D deficiency is the cause of the hypocalcemia.
Intravenous Calcium: Calcium can be injected intravenously to raise blood calcium levels quickly in cases of extreme illness or during acute symptoms.
Addressing Underlying Causes: Treating the underlying conditions contributing to hypocalcemia, such as kidney disease or malabsorption disorders.
Changes in the medication: Changing the dosage of your meds or switching to a different medication is an option if you have hypocalcemia as a result of your medication use.
Hypocalcemia can cause a variety of symptoms and problems. Effective management of this disorder depends on early diagnosis, a thorough understanding of its underlying causes, and the application of the right therapies, which may include calcium and vitamin D supplements.
It is essential to visit a healthcare provider for proper assessment and management if you think you may have hypocalcemia or experience any of the symptoms listed above.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
