Introduction:
When parathyroid glands produce excessive amounts of parathyroid hormone in the bloodstream, patients are diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism. These rice-grain-sized glands are situated behind the thyroid at the base of the neck. The thyroid glands create the parathyroid hormone, which aids in preserving the proper level of calcium in the blood and tissues that require calcium for proper function. This is particularly crucial for bone health and nerve and muscle function.
What Are the Parathyroid Glands?
There are four parathyroid glands close to the thyroid gland. Normally, each parathyroid gland is roughly the size of a rice grain. (about 3 to 5 millimeters in diameter and 30 to 60 milligrams in weight). Although the thyroid and parathyroid glands are located close to one another and are both parts of the body's endocrine system, their functions are not connected. The parathyroid hormone (PTH), secreted by the parathyroid glands, regulates blood calcium levels. Parathyroid hormone causes the blood calcium levels in other parts of the body to rise, particularly in the bones, kidneys, and small intestine. The body requires a lot of calcium, particularly for healthy neuronal and muscle function.
The parathyroid glands generally detect low blood calcium levels and secrete parathyroid hormone. The subsequent release of calcium from the bones into the bloodstream by parathyroid hormone, an increase in vitamin D production by the kidney, and an increase in calcium absorption from the intestines are all effects of parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone secretion should fall very low if the calcium level is too high.
What Are the Disorders of the Parathyroid Glands?
The four tiny parathyroid glands, which are situated in the neck next to the thyroid, are impacted by parathyroid illness. Parathyroid hormone is produced by the parathyroid glands. The hormone parathyroid aids in preserving the ideal calcium balance in the body. The glands typically secrete just enough parathyroid hormone to maintain normal calcium levels. This fine balance is disturbed by diseases like hyperparathyroidism, parathyroid carcinoma, and hypoparathyroidism.
Hyperparathyroidism
The most widespread form of parathyroid illness is hyperparathyroidism (HPT). One or more glands are hyperactive in hyperparathyroidism. In hyperparathyroidism, the glands produce excessive amounts of parathyroid hormone. Hypercalcemia, a condition marked by excess calcium in the blood, may occur from this. Hyperparathyroidism is typically brought on by a benign tumor on the gland.
Serious issues that hypercalcemia can bring about include:
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Stone in the kidneys.
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Cardiac disease.
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Elevated blood pressure
The majority of people with primary hyperparathyroidism are symptomless. Some people only have minor signs and symptoms, such as:
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Muscular trembling.
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Depression induced by weariness.
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Increased sleepiness.
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Pain in the bones and joints.
People with more severe illnesses may experience the following symptoms:
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Reduced appetite.
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Nausea.
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Vomiting.
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Constipation.
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Uncertainty or compromised memory and thinking.
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Increased urination and thirst.
Hyperparathyroidism is most commonly diagnosed in people between 50 and 60. Nearly three times as many women as men are impacted. Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia is an uncommon hereditary condition that causes hyperparathyroidism in some individuals. Since this ailment is usually benign, no treatment is necessary. Sometimes, a condition like kidney failure results in an issue where the parathyroid glands become overactive. The term for this is secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Parathyroid Cancer
Malignant (cancer) cells can develop in the parathyroid gland's tissues, an uncommon condition known as parathyroid cancer. The risk of parathyroid cancer can rise if a person has specific hereditary diseases. Usually, adults in their 50s are affected by this extremely rare condition. Parathyroid cancer makes the parathyroid gland overactive and releases significant parathyroid hormones. People with parathyroid cancer frequently experience hypercalcemia. After therapy, it frequently recurs at the original spot. Controlling the blood's amount of calcium can slow recurrence. Survival depends on early detection. Health is frequently more endangered by hypercalcemia and its repercussions than malignancy.
The majority of parathyroid cancer symptoms caused by hypercalcemia are:
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Frequent urination.
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Having more thirst than usual.
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Vomiting and nausea.
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Memory loss or forgetfulness.
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Aches, weakness, or cramping in the muscles.
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Depression.
Other signs of parathyroid cancer may include:
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A bump in the neck.
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The patient may experience vocal changes or hoarseness.
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The patient having difficulty swallowing.
Hypoparathyroidism
There is insufficient parathyroid hormone production in hypoparathyroidism. The blood's calcium level is too low as a result of hypoparathyroidism. A parathyroid gland injury or neck surgery typically brings on the illness. Immune system attacks on the glands may also result in hypoparathyroidism.
Hypoparathyroidism raises the risk of the following conditions:
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The disorder Addison's disease is brought on by insufficient hormone production by the adrenal glands. Only hypoparathyroidism caused by an autoimmune disorder carries Addison’s disease risk.
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Parkinson's disease is a chronic condition that affects the brain and results in abnormal movements and other symptoms.
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Low calcium levels in the aqueous humor cause membrane damage in hypoparathyroidism, which is the etiology of cataracts in hypoparathyroidism. Calcium is essential for initiating intracellular signaling and controlling cellular functions. According to some literature on cataracts owing to hypoparathyroidism, low blood calcium decreases the calcium concentration around the crystalloid capsule, restricting the active ion transport function of the crystalloid capsule membrane and causing water and sodium storage in the lens. The patient may experience blurred or lost vision.
Conclusion
The overactivity of one or more parathyroid glands or a tumor on a gland (usually noncancerous) is a common cause of parathyroid illness. Rarely, overactivity may be brought on by parathyroid malignancy or genetic diseases (such as familial isolated hyperparathyroidism and multiple endocrine neoplasias). The bones release more calcium into the blood with a higher hormone concentration. Conversely, the bones release less calcium when the parathyroid produces less hormone. The levels of vitamin D are also impacted. The condition known as hypercalcemia can cause brittle bones, kidney stones, weariness, weakness, and other issues. As a result, having too much or too little calcium can have negative effects on the bones, heart, digestive system, kidneys, muscles, and brain. Surgery, medication, nutritional supplements, and monitoring are all possible treatment options for treating disorders of the parathyroid gland.
