What is hypercalcernia?

Hypercalcemia is a condition in which the calcium levels in the blood are too high. Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a role in many important bodily functions, including bone health, muscle contraction, and nerve function. When calcium levels are too high, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:

- Weakness

- Fatigue

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Constipation

- Difficulty concentrating

- Confusion

- Seizures

- Coma

In severe cases, hypercalcemia can be life-threatening.

There are a number of different causes of hypercalcemia, including:

- Primary hyperparathyroidism: This is a condition in which the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels in the body, become overactive and produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH raises calcium levels in the blood.

- Secondary hyperparathyroidism: This is a condition in which the parathyroid glands become overactive in response to low calcium levels in the blood. This can occur due to a variety of underlying medical conditions, such as kidney disease, vitamin D deficiency, or certain medications.

- Tertiary hyperparathyroidism: This is a condition in which the parathyroid glands become autonomous and produce too much PTH, regardless of the calcium levels in the blood.

- Cancer: Certain types of cancer, such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and multiple myeloma, can produce substances that raise calcium levels in the blood.

- Other medical conditions: A number of other medical conditions, such as sarcoidosis, Addison's disease, and certain medications, can also lead to hypercalcemia.

Treatment for hypercalcemia depends on the cause of the condition. In some cases, treatment is not necessary if the calcium levels are only mildly elevated and do not cause any symptoms. In other cases, treatment may involve medications to lower calcium levels, surgery to remove the parathyroid glands, or treatment of the underlying medical condition.