Table of contents:
- The cause of hyperphosphatemia is kidney disorders
- What are the symptoms of hyperphosphatemia?
- What are the consequences of hyperphosphatemia on the body?
- What treatments can be done at home?
- How to prevent it?
There are so many minerals in the body that function to help smooth the entire metabolic process, one of which is phosphorus or also known as phosphate. Normally, the blood phosphate level in the body of people aged 18 years and over is 2.5-4.5 mg / dL. As with the levels of other substances and minerals, phosphate levels in the blood should ideally always be within reasonable limits - not too little, let alone excessive. Well, hyperphosphatemia is a condition where the phosphate is too high in the blood. This condition can be dangerous for bone and heart health if not treated quickly.
The cause of hyperphosphatemia is kidney disorders
Phosphate is a mineral that has many functions in the body, including helping to maintain strong bones and teeth. Phosphate levels in the body are regulated by the kidneys. Excess phosphate is usually excreted in the urine. If the kidneys are damaged and cannot function properly, it is impossible for the kidneys to remove the remaining phosphate from the body. As a result, phosphate levels are too high in the blood.
Apart from kidney disease, several other conditions that can also cause hyperphosphatemia are:
- Uncontrolled diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes causes high blood sugar levels which can lead to damage to organs, one of the kidneys.
- Diabetic acidosis
- Low parathyroid hormone
- Excess vitamin D.
- Hypokalemia
- Serious infection all over the body
- Take a high dose of phosphate supplements (> 250 mg) daily
A sudden increase in blood phosphate levels in the blood can occur as a result of taking laxatives containing phosphorus in preparation for colonoscopy.
What are the symptoms of hyperphosphatemia?
Symptoms of hyperphosphatemia are not very clear. Usually, it is the symptoms of the underlying disease or condition that are more visible. For example, if your hyperphosphatemia is caused by a complication of diabetes, it will show you diabetes symptoms.
What are the consequences of hyperphosphatemia on the body?
In the blood, phosphate binds to calcium. Thus, the impact of hyperphosphatemia is a decrease in calcium in the blood. When the calcium in your blood is reduced, the body will take supplies from the bones as. Over time, calcium deposits in the bones will be depleted because of it and can cause bone loss.
In addition, the risk of calcification in the walls of blood vessels, tissues and other organs also increases. Calcification is the deposition of calcium salt plaque in the soft tissues of the body which then hardens. Hardening of the artery walls of the heart, for example, is atherosclerosis which is the precursor to stroke.
What treatments can be done at home?
You can treat hyperphosphatemia yourself at home by changing your healthier diet and limiting the portions of the following foods:
- Milk
- Red meat
- Chicken or other poultry
- Fish
- Nuts
- Egg yolk
The foods above are high protein food sources. Eating too much protein will cause the kidneys to work extra hard to get rid of the excess waste produced by this protein, so don't over-consume protein.
Reported on the Healthline page, doctors can also prescribe drugs to lower phosphate levels in the blood, such as:
- Calcium acerar and calcium bicarbonate
- Lanthanum (Phosphrenol)
- Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel)
Before using these drugs, you must first consult with your doctor.
How to prevent it?
The main way to prevent hyperphosphatemia is to protect kidney health, or get prompt treatment for your kidney disease to protect it from further damage. Keeping blood pressure stable also plays an important role in maintaining kidney health.
