What happens if a child has too much calcium?
High levels of the hormone lead to high levels of calcium. The condition can cause thinning bones (osteoporosis) and kidney stones. Symptoms can include bone pain, belly pain, kidney pain, and joint aches. Your child may have blood tests and imaging tests.
How common is hypercalcemia in children?
Frequency. Hypercalcemia is not a common pediatric problem; the actual incidence in children is unknown, although it is less common than in adults. In adults, hypercalcemia is the primary malignancy-associated endocrine/electrolyte disorder; it is present in 5% of all malignancies, or in 15 per 100,000 total patients.
Can a child have hyperparathyroidism?
Hyperparathyroidism is rare in children, but children may have more severe symptoms than adults. If left untreated, hyperparathyroidism may lead to: osteoporosis and osteomalacia (bone-weakening diseases) kidney stones.
How do you detect hypercalcemia?
How is hypercalcemia diagnosed? Your doctor can use blood tests to check the calcium level in your blood. Urine tests that measure calcium, protein, and other substances can also be helpful. If your doctor finds a high calcium level, they’ll order more tests to find out the cause of your condition.
What is a mild case of hypercalcemia?
Hypercalcemia is considered mild if the total serum calcium level is between 10.5 and 12 mg per dL (2.63 and 3 mmol per L). 5 Levels higher than 14 mg per dL (3.5 mmol per L) can be life threatening. PTH is an 84-amino acid hormone produced by the four pea-sized parathyroid glands posterior to the thyroid gland.
What foods to avoid that are high in calcium?
Cut back on foods high in calcium. Greatly limit or stop your intake of milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, pudding, and ice cream. Read food labels. Don’t buy dairy products with added calcium.
What can cause hypercalcemia?
Hypercalcemia is caused by:
- Overactive parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism).
- Cancer.
- Other diseases.
- Hereditary factors.
- Immobility.
- Severe dehydration.
- Medications.
- Supplements.
What level is hypercalcemia?
Normal ionized calcium levels are 4 to 5.6 mg per dL (1 to 1.4 mmol per L). Hypercalcemia is considered mild if the total serum calcium level is between 10.5 and 12 mg per dL (2.63 and 3 mmol per L). 5 Levels higher than 14 mg per dL (3.5 mmol per L) can be life threatening.
Can hypercalcemia go away by itself?
People with mild hypercalcemia may not require treatment, and calcium levels may return to normal over time. The doctor will monitor these levels and the health of the kidneys. If calcium levels continue to rise or do not improve on their own, doctors may recommend further testing.