Hypermagnesemia is excess magnesium, what are the symptoms?

Magnesium is one of the minerals the body needs to function properly. But even though it is needed, you still shouldn't consume it too much. The limit for daily magnesium intake will usually depend on the sex, age, and physical condition of the individual. Hypermagnesemia is a condition when the body has excess minerals, namely magnesium. So, what are the symptoms and treatment if someone has hypermagnesemia?

Hypermagnesemia is a condition when the body has excess magnesium intake

Hypermagnesemia is a condition that usually occurs in people with end-stage kidney or liver failure. This happens because the person's kidneys and liver can no longer function normally to balance the magnesium levels in the body. Damaged kidneys cannot excrete excess magnesium. As a result, a person becomes more susceptible to accumulating minerals in the blood.

Another cause of hypermagnesemia is usually due to excessive consumption of medications containing magnesium, namely laxatives or antacids. Malnutrition and drinking excess alcohol can also be risk factors for hypermagnesemia in people with chronic kidney disease.

Various other causes that can cause a person to experience hypermagnesemia are:

Lithium therapy.
Hypothyroidism.
Women who take magnesium to treat preeclampsia.
Medicines that are high in magnesium, such as laxatives and antacids.

Symptoms of hypermagnesemia

In a healthy body, magnesium levels in the blood are in the range 1.7 to 2.3 mg per deciliter (mg / dL). However, when the body has excess magnesium levels are 2.6 mg / dL or more. If this is the case, the body will begin to show various symptoms such as:

Nausea
Gag
Nervous system disorders
Abnormally low blood pressure (hypotension)
Headache
Diarrhea
Weak muscles
Irregular heartbeat
Respiratory disorders
Sluggish

In severe cases, excess magnesium can cause heart problems, shock, and coma.

Treatment for excess magnesium

Usually, the first step that needs to be taken to treat hypermagnesemia is to find out and stop extra magnesium sources. After that, the doctor will give you calcium intake by injection directly into the vein to reduce various symptoms that arise such as respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat, hypotension, and certain nerve problems.

In addition, excess magnesium can also be treated with diuretics, which are drugs that help stimulate and speed up urine output. With this drug, it helps the excess magnesium in the body to pass through the urine.

In people with normal kidney function, an earlier diagnosis can help the effectiveness of treatment. Usually, this is done is to remove excess magnesium after the source of the cause has been identified and stopped.

However, in people whose kidneys have been damaged, delay in diagnosis will usually complicate treatment. The most effective way to stop symptoms quickly is by dialysis (dialysis) and administration of calcium by injection through a vein.

How to prevent hypermagnesemia?

Preventing this one condition can be done by avoiding medications containing magnesium if you have kidney problems. However, if it is necessary, consult your doctor first to ask if there are other alternative drugs that you can take or ask for a drug with a lower dose. By avoiding it, you can prevent hypermagnesemia and the complications that may occur.