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Hypocalcemia

Description

Hypocalcemia is a condition that is characterized by lower-than-normal level of calcium in blood. Hypocalcemia can be the manifestation of an underlying disease or can occur without being associated with any other disorder. Hypocalcemia affects a person in multiple ways and can prove lethal if neglected.

Causes

Some common causes of hypocalcemia are:

  • Poor calcium intake for a prolonged time period,
  • Use of medicines that interfere with absorption of calcium,
  • Dietary intolerance to calcium-rich food items,
  • Hormonal imbalance in women,
  • Certain genetic factors,
  • Hypoparathyroidism (abnormally low levels of parathyroid hormone),
  • Vitamin D deficiency,
  • Chronic (long term) liver disease,
  • Magnesium deficiency,
  • As a complication of pancreatitis (inflammation of pancreas),
  • Stress and anxiety,
  • Diabetic mother in case of an infant.
Risk factors

Prominent risk factors of hypocalcemia include:

  • Vitamin D deficiency,
  • Magnesium deficiency,
  • A history of gastrointestinal disorders,
  • Pancreatitis (inflammation of pancreas),
  • Renal (kidney) failure,
  • Hepatic (liver) failure,
  • Anxiety,
  • Newborn babies especially if they have diabetic (raised blood sugar level) mothers,
  • Malnutrition,
  • Massive blood transfusions.
Symptoms

Symptoms of hypocalcemia are:

  • Muscle stiffness and spasm,
  • Paresthesia (abnormal sensation of the skin),
  • Mood changes,
  • Anxiety and irritability,
  • Memory issues,
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure),
  • Difficulty in speaking and swallowing,
  • Fatigue,
  • Parkinsonism (movement abnormalities),
  • Papilledema (swelling of optic nerve),
  • Arrythmias (change in rhythm and rate of heartbeat),
  • Dry skin,
  • Brittle nails.
Diagnosis

To reach a diagnosis your doctor will take your medical and family history, will ask about your diet, will run a few blood tests to find out the causative agent, and will ask about the duration, intensity, and location of your symptoms.

Management

Hypocalcemia is managed by increasing calcium intake of the patient. This can be done by increasing intake of food and drinks that are rich in calcium or by adding calcium supplements in your diet. Some commonly prescribed calcium supplements are calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, and calcium phosphate.

When to consult a doctor?

You are recommended to consult a doctor if your conditions worsens, there is no improvement in your condition, the frequency and intensity of your symptoms is increasing, you are experiencing new side effects, and there is general feeling of malaise (weakness) and discomfort.

Available Medicine for Hypocalcemia

Oscal D 0.25mcg/200mg

Rs.414

Aries

Abocal

Rs.286

Abbott Laboratories

Caldree 600mg

Rs.186.67

High-Q

Qalsan - D -Flavors-Orange

Rs.101.6

GSK Consumer Healthcare

Qalsan - D -Flavors-Mixed Fruit

Rs.101.6

GSK Consumer Healthcare

Qalsan - D -Flavors-Mango

Rs.101.6

GSK Consumer Healthcare