Hypercalciuria is a condition where a person has high levels of calcium in their urine, which can have various causes and side effects such as kidney stones and osteoporosis. Treatment includes dietary changes, medication, and identifying and addressing the underlying cause.
Hypercalciuria is the term used when a person has high levels of calcium in their urine. This condition can have numerous possible causes and can lead to a variety of side effects. It is usually only discovered after symptoms of these side effects occur and urine samples are tested to determine a cause. Treatment can vary, but often includes dietary changes and medications.
Many cases of hypercalciuria are thought to occur as a result of the intestines absorbing more calcium than normal. This can happen, for example, if a person ingests too much calcium over a period of time, such as by taking calcium-based antacids or by drinking or eating large amounts of calcium-containing foods, such as milk and cheese. It can also happen if a person gets too much vitamin D, such as through dietary supplements, which can increase the amount of calcium absorbed from the intestines even if calcium intake is normal.
Some medical conditions can also cause hypercalciuria, including Dent’s disease and hyperparathyroidism. Dent’s disease is a rare genetic disorder that changes the way the kidneys work, causing them to excrete too much calcium. Hyperparathyroidism is an overproduction of parathyroid hormones, often caused by swelling of the hyperparathyroid glands, which can cause the bones in the body to release calcium stores. This can then lead to hypercalciuria as the body tries to get rid of the excess calcium circulating in the blood through urine.
When a person has hypercalciuria, they may experience side effects such as kidney stones or, in the case of hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis. These conditions can also be caused by other problems, so healthcare professionals typically do tests to determine the cause. One of these tests may include a 24-hour urine calcium test, which involves collecting all of the urine excreted in a 24-hour period and then assessing the total amount of calcium in it. If calcium exceeds a certain level, often 250-300 milligrams, a person is typically diagnosed with hypercalciuria.
One of the main treatments for hypercalciuria is diet management. Many health care professionals recommend that people with the condition eat less salt and meat, drink less caffeine and alcohol, drink more water, eat more fiber, and get moderate amounts of calcium. If excessive calcium and/or vitamin D consumption is suspected, health professionals often recommend cutting back on foods or supplements that contribute to this.
In some cases, medications may also be needed to help treat hypercalciuria or the underlying cause. Some of the more common drugs fall into a class known as diuretics, which act on the kidneys and help reduce the amount of calcium excreted. Other medications may include orthophosphates, which help eliminate excess levels of vitamin D in the body, and bisphosphonates, which can help direct calcium circulating in the body to be stored in the bones, thereby keeping it out of the urine.
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