Hyperphosphatemia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

We will discuss in this blog the disease caused due to high phosphate levels (Hyperphosphatemia).

Hyperphosphatemia is a condition in which there is a high level of phosphate in the blood that may lead to chronic kidney disease, Hyperparathyroidism metabolic and respiratory disorders, It can be treated through certain lifestyle and diet modifications. So let's discuss Hyperphosphatemia and its effect on our bodies.

What is Hyperphosphatemia?

Hyperphosphatemia is a condition that can lead to excess phosphate in the blood, Phosphate is an electrolyte that helps maintain the body's fluid osmolarity and helps in cell signalling required for the normal functioning of a body.

Symptoms of Hyperphosphatemia

Hyperphosphatemia usually does not have any symptoms early but abnormally high levels in the blood can lead to certain medical conditions like chronic kidney disease and heart disorder.

Hyperphosphatemia can remove calcium from your blood and can lead to hypocalcemia its symptoms are

Muscle cramps(Due to electrolyte imbalances).
Brittle nails.
Dry skin
Memory problems or neurological issues.
Irritability.
Tingling in your lips, tongue, fingers and/or feet.
Seizures.
Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia).

Causes of Hyperphosphatemia

Hyperphosphatemia can cause many health-related issues that require immediate medical attention and care here are some of the conditions that may arise due to excess phosphate levels are

chronic kidney disease.
Hypoparathyroidism (Low thyroid hormone level).
Lower-than-normal blood pH (increases blood acid level) if the lung is unable to remove all carbon dioxide it leads to a condition called respiratory acidosis.
Lower-than-normal blood pH due to metabolic issues (metabolic acidosis).

In some condition, hyperphosphatemia can also develop as a result of:

Diabetes-related ketoacidosis.
Damage to your muscles (rhabdomyolysis).
Severe body infection (sepsis).
If the body not properly responding to parathyroid hormone (pseudohypoparathyroidism).

Condition that may lead to Hyperphosphatemia

Hyperphosphatemia can affect people of any age and gender but it is most likely to affect those having advanced kidney disease or kidney failure

The condition that may lead to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure if you have

Diabetes.
Have high blood pressure problems (hypertension).
Heart disease.
Have a family history of kidney disease.
Have abnormal kidney structure.
Age above 60.
Have a long history of taking pain relievers frequently and other drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Diagnosis and Testing

Hyperphosphatemia is first diagnosed by observing the early symptoms based on which the blood tests are suggested once the condition is confirmed the appropriate measures are taken to treat the condition

Here are the following parameters based on which the diagnosis is done these are:

Medical examination.
Medical history of a patient.
Lab testing of phosphate level.
Family medical history.
History of chronic kidney disease.

A blood sample test can also be done to check the level of excess phosphate in the blood the procedure for the blood sample collection includes

Preparation

The blood testing for Hyperphosphatemia doesn't require any additional preparation but under some conditions, you have to follow some instructions given by the doctor

Inform your doctor if you are on medication or a health supplement as it may interfere with the result.
Wear loose-fitting clothes to allow easy access for your arm for blood sample collection.
This test may require fasting Depending upon the doctor's suggestion.

Procedure

Firstly, a phlebotomist may tie a band around your upper arm to ensure the vein is visible.
They will clean the site using a disinfectant to minimise the risk of catching infection.
A sterile syringe will be inserted into the vein to draw the appropriate amount of blood for the testing
After blood sample collection, they will withdraw the needle and seal the site using an adhesive tape or cotton ball.
The blood sample collected is then tested for phosphate level and a report is prepared accordingly.

Additional blood tests that may be required under certain medical conditions include:

Management and Treatment

How Hyperphosphatemia is treated?

Hyperphosphatemia can be treated by first checking the cause of the excess phosphate buildup in your body it can be due to the certain medications or diet that are responsible for elevating the phosphate levels, you may prefer alternative medicines to lower the phosphate level this includes.

To normalize the phosphate level certain medicines are available that can make your body absorb less phosphate and help pass out with the urine the medicines are

Sevelamer (RenaGel®).
Lanthanum (Fosrenol®).
Calcium acetate (Calphron®)

In case of kidney failure, your doctor recommends dialysis which helps remove the excess fluids and nitrogenous waste including phosphate.

Prevention

Hyperphosphatemia can be prevented through certain dietary and lifestyle modifications that can naturally lower the levels of excess phosphate as well as it also improve kidney functioning reducing the risk of kidney disorder or kidney failure tips that can normalize phosphate levels these are

(Regular exercise): Do regular exercise as it helps in maintaining the electrolyte balance, improves metabolism and kidney functioning and helps reduce the buildup of excess phosphate levels. Regularly do exercises like brisk walking, aerobic exercise or swimming which help keep your kidney and heart healthy and improve overall health.
(Weight Management): Keep yourself active and avoid a sedentary lifestyle, eat a low calcium and phosphate-rich diet that prevents phosphate from increasing and has a positive effect on your heart health, so include such foods in your diet that help in normalizing phosphate levels and help maintain body weight.
Avoid a calcium and phosphate-rich diet: If you have hyperphosphatemia avoid a diet that has a high content of calcium and phosphate this includes processed foods, nuts, soda, beans, lentils, and some whole grains like wheat, oats, rice etc.

Your health care provider may refer you to a kidney dietitian who are food and nutritional expert that suggests you the best diet that help you to limit the phosphate level in your body to improve the kidney health.

Avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption: Avoid bad habits like smoking, drinking alcohol and consuming tobacco as it may lead to high phosphate levels and may increase the chances of respiratory acidosis.

Choose the Top Diagnostic Centre in Delhi

Ganesh Diagnostic is one of the most reputed and reputed diagnostic centres located in Delhi which provides a 24*7*365-day facility, all the test results here are 100% accurate so that patients get the best and right treatment to recover easily. Avail of the online appointment opportunity now.

We also provide free blood sample collection and cholesterol tests at home. Get tested at the best diagnostic centre with Ganesh Diagnostics.

A Note From Ganesh Diagnostics:

Hyperphosphatemia is a potentially dangerous condition that has severe effects on our bodies as high levels of phosphate in our body can increase the chances of chronic kidney disease or kidney failure, to avoid this adopt a good healthy lifestyle that can naturally lower your phosphate level and if you want to know your phosphate level gets tested and treated well from the top diagnostic centre near you.

FAQs

What can I expect during hyperphosphatemia?

You can adopt a good and healthy lifestyle that naturally lowers your phosphate level and in other conditions, you may take certain medications that lower phosphate levels take suggestions from your doctor and get treated well.

What are the effects of hyperphosphatemia?

This condition can increase the risk of Diabetes, high blood pressure and ventricular hypertrophy and if not diagnosed and treated early, Improving your lifestyle will help manage this condition.