Diagnosis for hypophosphatemia
A quick blood test that checks phosphate levels helps medical professionals identify hypophosphatemia. If a person’s blood phosphate level is less than 2.5 mg/dL, they are diagnosed with hypophosphatemia.
For reference, the normal range for blood phosphate in adults is 3 to 4.5 mg/dL and for children is 4 to 7 mg/dL. These ranges may change, though, depending on the lab that examined the blood sample.
According to medical history and symptoms, the cause of hypophosphatemia, particularly acute hypophosphatemia, is usually clear.
When patients present with any of the following illnesses or symptoms, healthcare professionals frequently take hypophosphatemia into account:
- A lack of nutrients, as in anorexia nervosa instances.
- Signs of intestinal malabsorption or a history of it.
- Use history with antacids.
- Bone ache that is persistent or common.
- A history of multiple myeloma or a suspicion of it (a type of blood cancer).
- Chronic usage of some medications, such as the class of steroids known as glucocorticoids [9], the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin, or the medicine pamidronate (medication that treats high blood calcium levels).
- Any hospitalization that necessitates a placement in an intensive care unit.