Hypercalcemia celiac disease is one of the topics lately that have been gaining attention in the health and wellness community. People are curious to know how celiac disease is related to hypercalcemia, which on the surface seems to have no connection whatsoever. Research is now slowly coming to reveal how they are related and why it’s so crucial to understand this connection. In this article, we discuss what hypercalcemia and celiac disease are, how they are related, common symptoms, and what you can do if you think you have any of these conditions.
What is Hypercalcemia?
Hypercalcemia is a condition where there’s too much calcium in the blood. Calcium is an essential mineral for the maintenance of healthy bones, the ability of muscles to contract, and the proper conduction of impulses by nerves. Too much of it, however, causes many other problems, like kidney stones, bone pains, and arrhythmia.
Common causes include:
- Overactive parathyroid glands, or hyperparathyroidism
- High levels of vitamin D or calcium
- Certain cancers
- Prolonged immobilization
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an immune disorder where the body mistakenly reacts to gluten, which is a protein in wheat, barley, and rye. The consumption of gluten may cause the immune system in people with celiac disease to attack the lining of the small intestine. Eventually, their intestines get damaged causing a loss of the absorption of nutritional elements leading to malnutrition in the patient. Other difficulties may also arise, consisting of various complications.
Some of the key symptoms include:
- Digestive issues: bloating, diarrhea, constipation
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Joint pain
How Are Hypercalcemia and Celiac Disease Linked?
It may sound quite shocking to link hypercalcemia with celiac disease at first. Nevertheless, the link is formed by how celiac disease affects nutrient absorption and the health of the bones. Here’s a closer look at the link:
1. Vitamin D Deficiency and Calcium Imbalance
Nutrient malabsorption is generally associated with celiac disease. The most affected nutrient is vitamin D because vitamin D allows the body to absorb calcium. Consequently, its deficiency usually affects normal levels in the blood. Gradually, this could either result in a decreased or increased amount of calcium.
2. Bone Disorders
Poor absorption of calcium raises the risk of osteoporosis or osteopenia in untreated celiac disease patients. However, through some mechanisms, the body can mobilize calcium from the bones and release it into the bloodstream to cause hypercalcemia.
3. Calcium Regulation and Kidney Function
This may also cause the kidney’s inability to control calcium levels in the blood. When the kidneys become impaired, they may fail to assist in removing the surplus amount of calcium in the blood leading to a condition referred to as hypercalcemia.
4. Parathyroid Gland Dysfunction
Researchers have said that hyperparathyroidism may also manifest in patients with celiac disease because the parathyroid glands start producing excess amounts of hormones; which elevates the level of calcium.
Hypercalcemia in Celiac Disease Patients
Combining both conditions, being diagnosed with celiac disease and hypercalcemia means experiencing the symptoms of two illnesses. Some of these are:
- Fatigue: Since nutrient deficiency or hypercalcemia will manifest with either of the conditions, fatigue is one of those experienced by the patient.
- Muscle Weakness: Muscle cramps and weakness due to this disease are called hypercalcemia.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: The symptoms of bloating, diarrhea, or constipation might trigger cases of celiac disease which may progress if untreated.
- Bone Discomfort: In such situations, if there is not proper calcium absorption or high levels of calcium, bones become weak, or one may face fractures.
- More Thirst and Polyurea: Almost all those patients who have high levels of calcium suffer from more thirst and urine production.
- Mental Fogginess: Hypercalcemia can cause mental confusion, memory impairment, or depression.
How to Diagnose Hypercalcemia and Celiac Disease
Several tests have to be done to diagnose the conditions. If you think you might have hypercalcemia or celiac disease, make sure to see your doctor. He or she may recommend:
1. Blood Tests
- To diagnose hypercalcemia, doctors will take blood samples to check the levels of calcium, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D.
- For celiac disease, physicians look for specific antibodies, such as tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies.
2. Bone Density Scans
- This scan will establish bone health and will indicate if there is bone loss that is related to celiac disease or that occurs from an imbalance of calcium levels.
3. Endoscopy with Biopsy
- In the event that celiac disease is suspected, endoscopy may be the test that establishes whether the lining of the small intestine has been damaged.
4. Kidney Function Tests
- Kidney function tests might be necessary for the diagnosis of hypercalcemia due to kidney-related conditions.
Hypercalcemia and Celiac Disease Management
If you’re diagnosed with hypercalcemia and celiac disease, don’t panic. Both conditions can be managed effectively with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.
1. Adopt a Gluten-Free Diet
The cornerstone of managing celiac disease is avoiding gluten entirely. This allows the small intestine to heal and improves nutrient absorption.
2. Monitor Calcium Intake
Work with a healthcare provider or dietitian to ensure you’re getting the right amount of calcium. Avoid excessive calcium supplements unless prescribed.
3. Vitamin D Supplementation
If you’re deficient in vitamin D, your doctor might recommend supplements to help balance calcium levels and improve bone health.
4. Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is crucial to managing hypercalcemia. It helps flush excess calcium from the body.
5. Treat Underlying Conditions
If hyperparathyroidism or kidney dysfunction causes hypercalcemia, doctors should treat the underlying problem directly.
6. Routine Check-Ups
Regular blood tests, combined with follow-up visits with your doctor, can avert complications that arise both from these and their related conditions.
Conclusion
Although hypercalcemia is rarely linked to celiac disease, understanding the connection helps ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. If there is a constant feeling of tiredness, stomach issues, or aching in your bones, an appointment with your doctor becomes imperative.
Take control of your life, take control of your health to adopt a very strict gluten-free diet in managing celiac disease, and change one’s lifestyle as a result of hypercalcemia.
It can help you not live through the long-term complications of such diseases. Know and act, don’t hesitate to go around a medical professional if you notice anything.
Remember, early diagnosis and proper care will provide a healthy, happy life even for patients with celiac disease and hypercalcemia.