What should you know about hypercalcemia dehydration?

Calcium helps nerves, muscles and bones work. When blood calcium is high, the kidneys may pass more urine, causing thirst, dry mouth, weakness, constipation, nausea or dark urine. Losing fluid can concentrate substances in the blood and worsen dizziness or confusion. A result that suggests hypercalcaemia needs clinical interpretation; it may be temporary or related to a medical condition, medicine or supplement. Urinary symptoms can also have another cause, such as a urinary infection or kidney stone.

Seek medical advice for persistent thirst, repeated urination, vomiting, constipation, marked weakness or a known high calcium result. Drink fluids regularly if you can do so safely, but do not force fluids if a clinician has restricted your intake or you have severe vomiting. Bring a list of medicines, vitamins and calcium-containing products. A clinician may repeat blood tests, check kidney function and review your hydration status. Read about Dehydration, Constipation and Dark Urine for related information.

Go to an emergency department for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, chest symptoms or a fast worsening illness. Prompt care is also needed when dehydration follows heat exposure or gastroenteritis and you cannot replace lost fluid. Do not rely on urine colour alone to judge severity, especially if you have kidney or heart disease.

Was my calcium result confirmed and corrected for relevant blood proteins? Could a medicine or supplement be contributing? How much fluid is appropriate for me? Do I need kidney tests, urine testing or repeat calcium testing?