Q: Which doctor should you consult for hypercalcemia?
A: You should consult a General Physician (Internal Medicine – MDs) who may further refer you to an Endocrinologist for treating hypercalcemia.
Q: When should one consult a doctor?
A: One must contact a doctor if one develops any signs and symptoms that may indicate hypercalcemia or calcium excess – such as being extremely thirsty, urinating frequently and having abdominal pain; also when one has a family history of hypercalcemia or hyperparathyroidism with similar complaints.
Q: Do corticosteroids cause hypercalcemia?
A: No, steroids in fact may be useful in countering hypercalcemia due to Vitamin D toxicity.
Q: What diseases can develop from a tumor in the parathyroid gland?
A: A tumor in the parathyroids can be benign leading to parathyroid adenoma. It can be premalignant-like generalized hyperplasia, or malignant like multiple endocrine neoplasia type1 or 2 (MEN1/2). The malignant form means cancerous and more severe.
Q: When should I take calcium supplements?
A: The calcium required daily allowance (RDA) is about 1 g/day in adults and non-lactating women. If you are not fulfilling this daily requirement in your diet you need calcium supplements.
Q: Can you have too much calcium?
A: Yes, one can have excess of calcium supplements which can lead to hypercalcemia; hence one must take supplements only after consulting a qualified dietitian or a physician.
Q: How does hypercalcemia cause peptic ulcer?
A: Hypercalcemia can cause peptic ulcer due to the stimulation of enzyme gastrin which in turn irritates the stomach by causing the release of hydrochloric acid.
