Hyperparathyroidism is caused by a too-active parathyroid gland. It makes calcium levels in the blood go up, which can lead to various health issues. These issues include brittle bones, high blood pressure, pancreatitis, stomach ulcers, and kidney stones.
There are two kinds of hyperparathyroidism: primary and secondary. Primary type happens when one or more parathyroid glands get too big. This means too much parathyroid hormone and high blood calcium. Secondary type is from other health issues that make bones lose calcium.
Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism vary. People might experience brittle bones, kidney stones, and belly pain. Other common signs are going to the bathroom a lot, feeling worn out, being weak, sad, or forgetful. Bone and joint pain plus feeling sick to the stomach can also happen.
To spot hyperparathyroidism, doctors use different tests. These include blood checks, looking at bone strength, urine tests, and certain kidney scans. How it’s fixed depends on what’s really causing it. Sometimes, folks need an operation. Other times, they might just need extra vitamin D and calcium.
Key Takeaways:
- Hyperparathyroidism happens when the parathyroid gland is too lively, making blood calcium climb.
- Primary hyperparathyroidism comes from big parathyroid glands. Secondary type is due to other conditions lowering bone calcium.
- Symptoms include weak bones, stones in the kidneys, and tummy pain.
- Diagnosing uses blood, bone, and urine tests, plus images of the kidneys.
- Ways to treat it vary from surgery to adding vitamin D and calcium. Stem cell therapy might be an option in the future.
Causes and Symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism happens when the parathyroid glands are too active and upset calcium balance. It has two types: primary and secondary.
Primary Hyperparathyroidism
In primary hyperparathyroidism, two or more glands can overwork, or a tumor might form. This makes the glands produce too much PTH, raising blood calcium levels. This can cause health issues.
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Secondary hyperparathyroidism is due to low home calcium and vitamin D. The body might keep pulling calcium from bones and guts if the issue isn’t fixed. This can lead to too much PTH production.
The signs of hyperparathyroidism often come from too much calcium in the blood. These include:
- Kidney stones: More urine calcium can form stones.
- Cardiovascular disease: It can hurt the heart and blood pressure.
- Neonatal hyperparathyroidism: It can cause newborns to have low calcium.
- Osteoporosis: Bones get weaker and break easier.
- Abdominal pain: Some get bellyaches.
- Frequent urination: You might need to pee more often.
- Fatigue: You could feel very tired.
- Weakness: Your muscles might not be as strong.
- Depression: It can make you feel really sad.
- Poor memory: You might not remember well.
- Bone and joint pain: Your bones and joints might ache.
- Nausea: You might feel sick or not want to eat.
If not treated, hyperparathyroidism can cause big problems. Always make sure to get medical help if you have any of these issues or think you might have this condition.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyperparathyroidism
The diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism requires several tests to make sure the condition is understood. These tests are very important in creating the right treatment plan. They include:
Blood Tests:
Blood tests are key in finding out if someone has hyperparathyroidism. They check the blood’s calcium and PTH levels. High calcium and PTH levels could mean a person has hyperparathyroidism. This information is critical in knowing how severe a case is and what treatments to consider.
Bone Density Test:
Doctors use bone density tests to check how strong someone’s bones are. This test, like the DXA scan, can show if hyperparathyroidism has caused issues like osteoporosis. Knowing the bone density guides doctors in choosing the right treatments and checks up for bone health issues.
Urinalysis:
Urinalysis is a test that looks at a person’s urine. It can find too much calcium, which might signal hyperparathyroidism. The test also helps see how well the kidneys are working. This is helpful in diagnosing and keeping an eye on hyperparathyroidism.
Renal Imaging:
Renal imaging uses X-rays or ultrasounds to check for kidney stones or other problems in the urinary system. These tests are key in finding kidney issues related to hyperparathyroidism. When kidney problems are found early, it’s easier to treat them and manage hyperparathyroidism.
After confirming hyperparathyroidism, the next step is finding the best way to treat it. The best treatment depends on the type and how severe it is. The primary and secondary types have different treatment paths:
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism:
Secondary hyperparathyroidism can often be helped by taking vitamin D and calcium. These supplements can balance calcium in the body. This helps lower too much activity in the parathyroid glands and lessen the problems it causes.
Primary Hyperparathyroidism:
For primary hyperparathyroidism, surgery is usually needed. The surgery is called a parathyroidectomy. This operation removes the glands that are too active. New, less invasive surgeries cause less scarring. They include finding the bad glands with a special test during the operation.
If taking out all the bad glands would cause new issues, doctors sometimes choose not to remove all of them. This is called a subtotal parathyroidectomy. It can help keep the parathyroid system’s balance while still treating hyperparathyroidism.
After surgery, checking calcium levels regularly is important. This shows if the surgery worked. Sometimes, patients need to take calcium supplements for a while after the operation.
Talking to an endocrine specialist is crucial for a clear diagnosis and a treatment plan. Correct diagnosis and treatment can help control the problems from hyperparathyroidism. This leads to a better quality of life.
Conclusion
Hyperparathyroidism is when the parathyroid gland(s) work too hard. This makes the blood have too much calcium. It can cause health problems like weaker bones, kidney stones, and heart issues. Neonates can also get this condition. Doctors use blood tests, checking bone strength, and other tests to find out if someone has it.
The treatment changes based on what’s causing the issue. Sometimes, a person may need surgery to fix the glands. Or, they might get medicines like vitamin D and calcium. A newer method being studied is using stem cells to treat this problem. This could mean more options for care in the future.
If you have hyperparathyroidism, working closely with your doctor is very important. You’ll need to keep an eye on your calcium and take medicines like you’re supposed to. Staying on top of your condition can help you have a good life despite the illness.