Various conditions / disorders can cause high levels of calcium in the urine. Calcium is necessary to build strong bones and teeth. It is essential for normal heart function, muscular contractions, nerve message conduction and blood clotting.
Causes of too much calcium in urine
- Rickets is known to cause hypercalciuria – high levels of calcium in the urine.Rickets develops due to inadequate vitamin D, calcium or phosphate and results in weak bones. Rickets is seen as increased calcium in the urine, bone deformities – bowlegs and scoliosis, pain in the bones, dental deformities, delayed growth, tendency to fractures and a short stature.
- Kidney stones are an important cause of high levels of calcium in the urine. The condition manifests as – excess calcium in the urine, pain in the lower abdomen, pain whilst passing urine, blood in the urine, nausea and vomiting, and fever.
- Hyperparathyroidism is a possible cause of too much calcium in the urine too. An excess of parathyroid hormone in the bloodstream may occur due to an over-active parathyroid gland.This hormone regulates calcium levels in the bloodstream.
Symptoms Of Too Much Calcium In Urine
- Gastrointestinal symptoms are – pain in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting and constipation, and reduced appetite.
- High levels of calcium exert extra stress on the kidneys and make it difficult to get rid of the calcium overload. Persistent high levels of calcium cause kidney damage which may not be reversible. There will be an increased frequency of urination, kidney stones, increased urination at night, and increased thirst. Increased urination occurs because of calcium deposition in the kidney, which can set off nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
- The heart needs calcium to function properly, on the other hand an excess of calcium can cause an abnormal beating of the heart known as an arrhythmia. Hypertension and cardiovascular calcification are known to develop too. When the kidneys get impaired due to high levels of calcium, they lose their capacity to control blood pressure correctly; thus triggering hypertension. Hypertension also develops due to constriction of the blood vessels from hypercalcemia.
- Calcium is necessary for conduction of nerve signals as well as for muscular contraction. Muscular symptoms – twitches, muscle atrophy and weariness.
- Skeletal symptoms – bone pain, fractures, and bowing of the shoulders.
- Psychological manifestations – anxiety, depression, bad temper and reduced concentration.
How To Treat Too Much Calcium In Urine?
- The level of calcium in urine can be assessed by getting a urine calcium test done. When the level is 250 to 300 mg in a 24-hour sample – it is considered high calcium levels in urine.
- It is very vital to ascertain the cause for high levels of calcium in the urine, given that, the treatment regimen differs accordingly. Your health care provider will start therapy based on your specific cause.
- Most health care providers recommend drinking plenty of water; it is prudent to drink lots of fluids – about 3 to 4 liters per day since it dilutes the urine and decreases the risk of kidney stones.
- Diminishing your intake of salt will help lower the calcium levels as well. You need to steer clear of – canned soups, processed meat, cheese, chips, tomato sauce, and celery.
- Diuretics reduce calcium; as well as the potassium level, and hence a high potassium diet must be consumed; have loads of bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, and melons.