What is the cause of hypocalcemia cough

The problem of hypocalcemia should be taken seriously. Hypocalcemia can cause coughing problems and is accompanied by other adverse symptoms such as incoordination, general weakness, headache, and even cramps in the hands and feet. In severe cases, it can also induce arrhythmia.

1. Hypocalcemia refers to the symptom that the serum ion calcium concentration is lower than the normal level. Since only the calcium concentration is tested clinically, a low calcium concentration is generally called hypocalcemia. Patients with hypocalcemia often have symptoms such as uncoordinated gait, general weakness, headache, etc., which can easily induce cramps in the hands and feet, epilepsy, rickets, and in severe cases, may induce arrhythmia. Patients with hypocalcemia should eat more foods high in calcium, eat more fruits, and get more sun exposure to promote calcium absorption.

2. Patients with symptoms and signs of hypocalcemia should be treated. The degree and speed of the decrease in blood calcium determine how quickly hypocalcemia can be corrected. If the total calcium concentration is less than 7.5 mg/dL (1.875 mmol/L), treatment should be initiated regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms.

3. If the symptoms of hypocalcemia are obvious, such as tetany, convulsions, hypotension, positive Chvostek sign or Trousseau sign, electrocardiogram showing QT interval and ST segment prolongation with or without arrhythmia, etc., immediate treatment should be given. Generally, 10% calcium gluconate 10 ml (containing Ca2+ 90 mg) is diluted and injected intravenously (more than 10 minutes). It takes effect immediately after injection and can be repeated if necessary to control the symptoms. Heart rate should be closely monitored during injection, especially in patients using digitalis, to prevent the occurrence of serious arrhythmias. If symptomatic hypocalcemia recurs, 10 to 15 mg/kg of Ca2+ can be given intravenously within 6 to 8 hours. Calcium chloride can also be used, but it is very irritating to the veins. The Ca2+ concentration should not be greater than 200 mg/100 ml to prevent irritation to veins and soft tissues after extravasation. If the patient has hypomagnesemia, it must be corrected at the same time.

4. Chronic hypocalcemia should first treat the cause of hypocalcemia, such as hypomagnesemia, vitamin D deficiency, malnutrition, etc.; in addition, oral calcium and vitamin D preparations (nutritional vitamin D or active vitamin D) can be given. Oral calcium preparations include calcium gluconate, calcium citrate and calcium carbonate. They should be selected according to the condition of hypocalcemia. Generally, 1 to 2 grams can be taken per day. Cod liver oil is rich in vitamin D, which can promote the absorption of calcium from the intestine. It is inexpensive, but the effect is slow. Once the effect occurs, it can last for a long time. Blood calcium should be monitored frequently to adjust the dosage. Active vitamin D includes 25(OH)2 D3 and 1,25(OH)2 D3 (calcitriol), which act faster, especially the latter, which starts to take effect 1 to 3 days after use and has a short duration of action. It is safer to use and can be used at 0.25 to 1 μg per day. Chronic hypocalcemia without renal failure can also be treated with thiazide diuretics on the basis of a low-salt diet to reduce urinary calcium excretion.