Q: My 6-year-old's calcium level is consistently at the upper limit (10.1). Are the constipation and nausea related?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

Hello, my 6-year-old child recently had a blood test, and their calcium levels have consistently been around 10 to 10.1 mg/dL. In the past, they were in the 9s, but now the levels seem to be hitting the upper limit. All other results were normal, except the eosinophil count was 930. Their Vitamin D level came back at 53—could this be the cause? We do not give them any calcium supplements.

The blood test was actually done because my child has been experiencing constipation and nausea. I am worried about hypercalcemia. Is it safe to just monitor this, or could it be a serious problem?

Answer:

Hello. I understand you must be quite worried about your 6-year-old child's calcium levels and their current symptoms.

A calcium level of 10 to 10.1 mg/dL is at the upper end of the normal range, but it is still currently considered normal (the normal reference range for children is typically 8.8 to 10.8 mg/dL). However, the fact that it is consistently staying at the upper limit is something that requires attention.

Here are some possible factors affecting these results:

* Vitamin D Level: A Vitamin D level of 53 is in the normal-to-high range. Higher levels of Vitamin D can increase calcium absorption in the body.

* Temporary Factors: Mild dehydration or the child's overall condition right before the blood draw can temporarily elevate calcium readings.

* Eosinophil Count: An eosinophil count of 930 is slightly elevated, which most commonly indicates an allergic tendency or a mild parasitic infection.

Regarding the symptoms you mentioned, constipation and nausea can indeed be associated with higher calcium levels, so they need to be evaluated carefully.

Here is some actionable guidance you can follow at home:

* Increase Hydration: Encourage your child to drink plenty of water (about 1 to 1.5 liters a day) to help with both the calcium concentration and the constipation.

* Monitor Diet: Check if your child is consuming an excessive amount of dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt) and adjust if necessary.

* Track Symptoms: Keep a daily diary of their bowel movements and any episodes of nausea.

Because your child is actively experiencing symptoms like constipation and nausea alongside upper-limit calcium levels, I strongly recommend following up with your pediatrician. They can properly evaluate your child in person and may suggest further specialized testing to get a more accurate picture. This might include an ionized calcium test (which is a more accurate measure of active calcium in the blood), a parathyroid hormone (PTH) test, or a urine calcium test. Be sure to also inform the doctor of any multivitamins your child might be taking, as they often contain added Vitamin D. See your doctor to determine the exact cause and safely resolve your child's discomfort.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us