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Warning-sign checks

Parathyroid hyperplasia: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get emergency help for confusion, collapse, a seizure, severe weakness, repeated vomiting with dehydration, breathing difficulty, or sustained muscle spasms.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    After parathyroid surgery, contact your care team promptly if you develop tingling around the mouth, new numbness, muscle cramps, or twitching.

    These can be signs of low calcium and may need a blood test and treatment adjustment.

    Seek urgent medical care for severe or persistent side or back pain, especially with vomiting, fever, or blood in the urine.

    A kidney stone or infection may need prompt assessment.

    These symptoms can occur with a serious calcium disturbance or another urgent condition.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical follow-up if you have known parathyroid hyperplasia and develop increasing thirst, frequent urination, constipation, fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, or possible kidney-stone symptoms.

    These changes may mean that calcium or PTH needs to be checked.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Parathyroid hyperplasia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.