Calcium Deposits in Lungs

Calcium is a mineral essential for the purpose of performing various functions in the body. The most obvious and well-known function is to strengthen the bones. However, it is also involved in other functions such as cell-division. While the essential daily intake of calcium ranges around 1000 mg per day, an excess of it can lead to the development of calcium deposits in various parts of the body. These include calcium deposits on bones, in the lungs, heart, joints, and even the skin.

As mentioned earlier, an excess of calcium is what leads to this condition known as calcification in the lungs. The body is unable to absorb the excess calcium, and it therefore begins to accumulate in various places, including the lungs.

Following are the causes of this condition:

• If you suffer from chronic bronchitis or pneumonia, it may lead to deposition of calcium in the lungs.
• Prolonged exposure to asbestos has been known to affect the lining of the lungs, thereby leading to this condition.

• Vitamin D in the body is known to aid the absorption of calcium in the blood. When you have too much vitamin D in your body, it is likely that excess calcium is being absorbed, and therefore causing this condition.
• This is also related to a condition known as hypercalcemia, that simply means that there are high calcium levels in the blood.

• Histoplasmosis, a fungal infection that affects the lungs, usually causes scarring of the lung tissue, and therefore leads to calcium deposits on lungs.
• Even when you suffer from kidney disease, it leads to the development of high calcium levels in the blood, which may then start depositing on the lungs.

• If you have suffered lung injuries previously or tuberculosis, it is possible that one of the after effects is the deposition of calcium on the lungs. Usually, large amounts of calcium are sent to the bones to repair any damage to them. In such cases, excess calcium gets deposited in those areas.

Due to the irregularities in calcium levels, one may also suffer from calcium deposits on bones, face, and even in the brain. One is also likely to develop these in the breasts, on teeth, and even under the skin that appear like lumps.

The condition may be identified in the presence of the following symptoms:

• Those who have these calcium deposits may face breathing problems such as difficulty in breathing, heavy breathing, or wheezing.
• Dry cough along with tightness in the throat is another symptom of this condition.

• Weight loss may be a symptom of this condition. This is mainly because high levels of calcium cause a drop in one's appetite, and subsequent weight loss.
• In a slightly severe case, you may also notice skin pallor, and that the skin appears to have a bluish tinge. This condition is known as cyanosis.

These calcium deposit symptoms, if noticed, should not be ignored because sometimes, they may be indicators of a larger and more serious condition such as lung cancer.

Many a time, the symptoms of calcium deposits on lungs may go undetected. However, if your doctor does suspect this possibility, then a CT scan is the best way to identify the presence of calcium deposits. Some doctors may also recommend an MRI, but it has been found that a CT scan is a more lucid indicator of this condition. In some cases, a simple X-ray is enough to discover them. In other cases, a biopsy may also be necessary.

Developing a healthy and active lifestyle, controlling your diet to include your necessary calcium intake, and avoiding the ignorance of the symptoms of this condition can help you prevent it from manifesting into a larger and more serious condition.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.