Hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia refers to a low concentration of calcium in the blood. Since calcium is responsible for a number of vital functions in the body, a deficiency can lead to major damage in the body. The normal range of calcium in the blood is in the normal range of 2.2-2.65 mmol/l.
What is hypocalcemia?
Hypocalcemia can lead to various types of damage in the body. Calcium is essential for the bones and muscles in the body, but also for the nerves, the brain and for general cell growth. At the beginning, those affected by the calcium deficiency usually notice little, only when the hypocalcemia has progressed do clear symptoms appear. Hypocalcemia is a serious diagnosis, especially in children. Growing people need an adequate amount of calcium for healthy body growth.
causes
Hypocalcemia is basically caused by a lack of calcium. How this calcium deficiency occurs can, however, have very different causes. The simplest cause would be a poor diet that depletes the body of calcium. Excessive intake of phosphorus also causes calcium levels in the body to drop and hypocalcemia can develop.
In addition, a dysfunction of the adrenal gland is suspected as a possible cause, because the adrenal gland is responsible for the regulation of calcium in the body. The liver can also be responsible for hypocalcemia: if too little albumin is produced, a calcium deficiency can develop. Inflammation of the pancreas can also cause hypocalcemia, as can inflammatory bowel disease. Hypocalcemia is most often a consequence of other diseases, but it can be due to poor nutrition.
When to the doctor?
People who eat a varied diet are less likely to develop hypocalcemia. However, they can develop a calcium deficiency and occasionally require medical attention. Some adolescents and young adults unknowingly head towards calcium deficiency. If you stay indoors all the time, your body doesn’t produce enough calcium. He lacks daylight on the skin of his face and hands. In order to avoid damage in the medium term, a doctor’s visit is not necessary. Self-initiative is the best solution. Four to five sessions outdoors per week of around 30 minutes each are sufficient.
People who suddenly experience severe stress or severe anxiety can also do without a doctor. The body reacts with violent attacks of breathing, which trigger spontaneous hypocalcemia with dizzy spells. Breathing in and out quickly into a bag helps here. There are no subsequent problems for those affected.
With the onset of middle age, the body gradually decreases calcium production. The consequences for many are increasing calcium deficiency and later osteoporosis . The process of menopause is more pronounced in women than in men. The medical consultation avoids long-term damage. If those affected with a known low calcium level unexpectedly develop muscle cramps, it is advisable to consult a doctor. This also applies to neurological disorders such as confusion or depressive phases.
symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of hypocalcemia:
The symptoms of hypocalcemia can vary greatly depending on the severity of the calcium deficiency. Hypocalcemia is often manifested by uncontrollable muscle twitching, muscle cramps with spasms (paw-flexing, equinus position), nervous reflex reactions, tingling in the hands and feet, or an irregular heartbeat. In addition to these physical signs, hypocalcemia can also cause psychological problems. These include depression , anxiety , and general moodiness.
However, all symptoms usually only appear when the hypocalcemia has been present for some time. In most cases, the deficiency is discovered by a doctor’s routine blood test without the patient having already suffered any limitations or symptoms. Acute symptoms caused by hypocalcemia usually disappear very quickly as soon as the body is supplied with sufficient calcium. However, it is not sufficient to provide the body with the required amount of calcium, the cause of this deficiency must be found.
Diagnose
The hypocalcemia shows up in a determination of the blood values. If the blood count shows signs of hypocalcemia, the doctor will order further laboratory tests to find the cause. This includes specific blood tests to examine, for example, the phosphorus and magnesium content . The amount of phosphorus in the body can also be determined by a urine test.
To rule out an adrenal disorder, the blood can also be checked for adrenal hormones. Liver function can be checked by measuring albumin in the blood. Since it is very important to recognize possible cardiac arrhythmias that can be triggered by hypocalcaemia, the doctor will also order an ECG .
complications
In most cases, the reduced calcium level does not initially show any typical symptoms. The body only sends warning signs when medical complications arise. One form of undesirable development of prolonged hypocalcemia occurs in those who are active in sports and physical activity. Sensory disturbances and changes, including seizures , occur in the muscles . The previously good physical performance suffers significantly. A medical consultation is advisable to initiate the appropriate treatment.
Middle-aged and elderly people are more likely to experience unexpected ailments due to calcium deficiency. There are significant changes in the nerves. A prominent symptom is tingling in the limbs, on the tongue and in the lips. As a further serious disorder, general cramps occur in the whole body. Everyday activities are significantly more difficult.
An additional burden arises when the lack of calcium impairs the functioning of the brain. The patients’ concentration suffers and they find it difficult to think. Medical measures improve the situation. Another critical disorder applies to patients suffering from cardiac and circulatory disorders. The hypocalcemia leads to a disturbed pump function of the heart. If the patient suddenly notices an irregular heartbeat, they need to see a doctor as soon as possible. It prevents critical subsequent situations.
treatment and therapy
Hypocalcemia is treated first by providing the body with an adequate supply of calcium. In order to achieve the required concentration of calcium, infusions are usually administered in acute cases. Calcium is taken by mouth for long-term treatment. In addition, those affected often receive vitamin D , because in combination with vitamin D the body can absorb and process the calcium better.
The therapy then depends on the trigger for the hypocalcemia. Once the cause of the hypocalcemia has been eliminated, the symptoms also disappear and the body’s calcium supply is back to within the normal range. The treatment of the causative disease is therefore extremely important. In the case of pancreas or intestinal inflammation , it is absolutely necessary to eliminate this inflammation. If hypocalcemia has occurred without the patient noticing any symptoms, the deficiency often corrects itself.
If a child is affected by hypocalcemia, close monitoring of the condition is appropriate. The younger the patient, the more accurate the controls should be. Above all, attention is paid to the general state of health. However, hypocalcemia should not be taken lightly at any age because it can cause serious complications.
prevention
A healthy lifestyle is particularly important to prevent hypocalcemia. This includes a healthy and balanced diet to provide the body with all the important nutrients. Dairy products and broccoli are among the foods high in calcium.
Dietary supplements with calcium also regulate the supply, but it is always better to supply the substances required by the body in a natural way.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.