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Doctors for Increased Phosphate Levels in the Blood 
OTC Medicines for Increased Phosphate Levels in the Blood
What is Increased Phosphate Levels in Blood?
Phosphorus is an essential micronutrient for the bones and teeth. Increased levels can be dangerous and need prompt treatment. Increased phosphate level in the blood is known as hyperphosphatemia. It increases the risk of kidney and heart diseases and can also cause other health issues.
What are the main signs and symptoms?
Hyperphosphatemia by itself may not present with any characteristic symptoms. The symptoms may be related to the underlying disease.
- High phosphate often causes reduced calcium levels in the blood, making the bones weak.
- Muscle spasms are a common complaint in those with increased phosphate levels.
- A person may also have dry, itchy, and scaly skin.
What are the main causes?
- If the kidney does not function properly, it cannot eliminate excess phosphate from the body, leading to increased phosphate levels in the blood. Kidney disease like chronic kidney disease or kidney failure can cause excess serum phosphate levels.
- Sometimes, low levels of the parathyroid hormone can also cause high serum phosphate.
- Similarly, low calcium increases phosphate levels.
- Endocrine conditions, such as diabetes or ketoacidosis, are known causes of increased phosphate levels in the body.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
If you present with symptoms of hyperphosphatemia, your doctor will conduct a physical examination, take a thorough medical history, and then perform investigations to ascertain the underlying condition.
- A blood test is a primary investigation that will reveal if the phosphate levels in the blood are high. High sugar or abnormal calcium metabolism can also be detected through a blood test.
- If any damage to the bones is suspected, an x-ray of the bone can be performed.
The treatment of this condition depends upon the cause and may include the following interventions:
- Diet regulation is important for kidney disorders. In some cases, dialysis may also be needed along with medicines.
- Insulin is recommended if diabetes is the underlying cause.
- Calcium supplements are also advised if low calcium is suspected. Calcium binders are a class of drugs that are useful in this condition.
- Avoidance of foods that contain high levels of phosphate, such as meat, poultry, fish, nuts and more, is crucial to the management, regardless of the cause of the condition.
