Hypercalcaemia is a medical term that refers to elevated levels of calcium in the blood. This word is spelled with the prefix "hyper-" which means "above" or "beyond," the root "calc-" which refers to calcium, and the suffix "-emia" which means "in the blood." The correct pronunciation of hypercalcaemia is [hahy-per-kal-see-mee-uh] with stress on the second syllable. The letters "ae" in the middle of the word are pronounced like "ee" in "meet" and the syllable "em" should be pronounced as "mee-uhm."
Hypercalcaemia is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood. It occurs when there is an imbalance between calcium absorption from the intestines and calcium excretion from the kidneys. The normal range of calcium in the blood is between 8.5 and 10.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), and when the calcium level exceeds this range, hypercalcaemia is said to be present.
There are several potential causes of hypercalcaemia, including overactive parathyroid glands (primary hyperparathyroidism), certain types of cancers (such as breast, lung, and kidney cancers), excessive intake of calcium or vitamin D supplements, certain medications, and certain medical conditions, such as sarcoidosis or kidney failure.
The symptoms of hypercalcaemia can vary depending on the severity and underlying cause but may include fatigue, weakness, excessive thirst and frequent urination, constipation, nausea, vomiting, bone pain, and confusion. If left untreated, hypercalcaemia can lead to serious complications like kidney stones, bone abnormalities, and heart problems.
Diagnosis of hypercalcaemia is based on blood tests that reveal elevated calcium levels. Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition and underlying cause. Potential treatments include treating the underlying cause, fluid therapy to increase calcium excretion, medications to lower calcium levels, and in severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
It is important to monitor and manage hypercalcaemia promptly to prevent potential complications and maintain optimal health. Regular follow-ups with healthcare professionals are advised to monitor calcium levels and adjust treatment as necessary.
The word hypercalcaemia is derived from Greek roots.
The prefix hyper- means excessive or over, indicating that there is an increase or high level of something.
The root word calci comes from the Greek word kallos, which means lime or chalk. It refers to the element calcium.
The suffix -emia is of Greek origin as well and indicates a condition or presence of a substance in the blood.
So, when combined, hypercalcaemia literally means excessive calcium in the blood.