Hypocalcemia Essay
Hypocalcemia, Adult
Hypocalcemia is when the level of calcium in a person's blood is below normal. Calcium is a mineral that is used by the body in many ways. A lack of blood calcium can affect the heart and muscles, make the bones more likely to break, and cause other problems.
CAUSES
This condition may be caused by:
• Decreased production (hypoparathyroidism) or improper use of parathyroid hormone.
• Problems with the parathyroid glands or surgical removal of these glands.
• Problems with parathyroid function after removal of the thyroid gland.
• Lack (deficiency) of vitamin D or magnesium or both.
• Kidney problems.
Less common causes include:
• Intestinal problems that interfere with nutrient absorption.
• Alcoholism. …show more content…
• Memory problems, confusion, or difficulty thinking.
• Depression, anxiety, irritability, or changes in personality.
• Fainting.
• Chest pain.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Changes in the sound of the voice.
• Shortness of breath or wheezing.
• General weakness and fatigue.
Symptoms of severe hypocalcemia include:
• Shaking uncontrollably (seizures).
• Seizure of the voice box (laryngospasm).
• Fast heartbeats (palpitations) and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
Long-term symptoms of this condition include:
• Coarse, brittle hair and nails.
• Dry skin or lasting (chronic) skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis).
• Clouding of the eye lens (cataracts).
DIAGNOSIS
This condition is usually diagnosed with a blood test. You may also have other tests to help determine the underlying cause of the condition. For example, a test may be done that records the electrical activity of the heart (electrocardiogram, ECG).
TREATMENT
Treatment for this condition may include:
• Calcium given by mouth (orally) or given through an IV tube inserted into one of your veins. The method used for giving calcium will depend on the severity of the
Hypocalcemia is when the level of calcium in a person's blood is below normal. Calcium is a mineral that is used by the body in many ways. A lack of blood calcium can affect the heart and muscles, make the bones more likely to break, and cause other problems.
CAUSES
This condition may be caused by:
• Decreased production (hypoparathyroidism) or improper use of parathyroid hormone.
• Problems with the parathyroid glands or surgical removal of these glands.
• Problems with parathyroid function after removal of the thyroid gland.
• Lack (deficiency) of vitamin D or magnesium or both.
• Kidney problems.
Less common causes include:
• Intestinal problems that interfere with nutrient absorption.
• Alcoholism. …show more content…
• Memory problems, confusion, or difficulty thinking.
• Depression, anxiety, irritability, or changes in personality.
• Fainting.
• Chest pain.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Changes in the sound of the voice.
• Shortness of breath or wheezing.
• General weakness and fatigue.
Symptoms of severe hypocalcemia include:
• Shaking uncontrollably (seizures).
• Seizure of the voice box (laryngospasm).
• Fast heartbeats (palpitations) and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
Long-term symptoms of this condition include:
• Coarse, brittle hair and nails.
• Dry skin or lasting (chronic) skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis).
• Clouding of the eye lens (cataracts).
DIAGNOSIS
This condition is usually diagnosed with a blood test. You may also have other tests to help determine the underlying cause of the condition. For example, a test may be done that records the electrical activity of the heart (electrocardiogram, ECG).
TREATMENT
Treatment for this condition may include:
• Calcium given by mouth (orally) or given through an IV tube inserted into one of your veins. The method used for giving calcium will depend on the severity of the