An Overview of the Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism – When one or more of the body’s four parathyroid glands make too much parathyroid hormone, it results in hyperparathyroidism. Located in your neck, these endocrine glands secrete hormones necessary for the normal functioning of your body. The parathyroid hormone maintains an appropriate balance of calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus in your bones and blood.

If you see any disorder in your day to day living style including some serious complications, it is recommended to consult a parathyroid specialist in Abu Dhabi’s Al Zahra Cancer Center. Thyroid Surgery UAE, a part of Al Zahra Hospital, Dubai, offers cutting-edge technology treatment to treat extreme parathyroid conditions.

Types of Hyperparathyroidism – There exist two types of hyperparathyroidism, namely primary hyperparathyroidism and secondary hyperparathyroidism.

• Primary Hyperparathyroidism – In this type, one or more of the parathyroid becomes enlarged thus causing overproduction of the hormone. This results in increased level of calcium in the bloodstream leading to variety of health issues.
• Secondary Hyperparathyroidism – This type of hyperparathyroidism occurs as a result of another disease that has lower down the level of calcium in your body and over time increased parathyroid hormone levels.

Symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism – On the basis of hyperparathyroidism, symptoms can vary from mild to severe.

For primary hyperparathyroidism – Milder symptoms are fatigue, weakness, depression, and body aches. While the severe symptoms include vomiting, kidney stones, constipation, nausea, appetite loss, excessive thirst, confusion, memory problems and so on.

For secondary hyperparathyroidism – In this type of hyperparathyroidism, you might face skeletal abnormalities such as fractures, swollen joints, and deformities in bone. Other severe symptoms include chronic kidney failure or severe deficiency of vitamin D.

• Treatments of Hyperparathyroidism
• The doctor might recommend no treatment but regular monitoring, if:
• The level of calcium is slightly high.
• The kidneys are functioning properly and there are no kidney stones.
• The bone density is normal and they are slightly below the normal.
• You have no such symptom which might improve with treatment.

In the watch and wait approach, you will have to periodically undergo tests to monitor blood calcium levels and bone density.

Surgery

In primary hyperparathyroidism, surgery is the most common treatment and is sure to provide cure in max of the max cases. At Al Zahara Hospital, the board certified surgeon conducts minimally invasive surgery to remove the glands that are enlarged or have tumor.

If all the four glands are affected, the surgeon removes three glands and a portion of the fourth — leaving some functioning parathyroid tissue. If there are involved no complications, and the surgery has been conducted through very small incisions in the neck with local anaesthesia – the doctor might discharge the same day.

Lifestyle Changes To Bring In

• Keep track of Calcium and Vitamin D
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid smoking

Dr. Sadir Alrawi, a board-certified surgeon at Dubai, Abu Dhabi-based Thyroid Surgery UAE, is committed to consistently deliver effective treatment for parathyroid gland diseases. The hospital provides excellence in its day-to-day operations by means of efficiency, expertise and experience along with healthcare of International Standards of Quality and Safety.