Phosphorus, Serum

Hypophosphatemia is a condition where the blood phosphorus levels are below the normal range. This may occur due to: · Severe malnutrition · Alcoholism · Major burns · Diabetic ketoacidosis · Fanconi syndrome · Hyperparathyroidism (over secretion of parathyroid hormones) · Hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels) · Hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels) · Long term use of antacids or diuretics · Long term diarrhea · Deficiency of Vitamin D in children · Some inherited conditions like X-linked Familial Hypophosphatemia (XLH) · Certain medications like diuretics, corticosteroids, bronchodilators, etc.

Symptoms of Hypophosphatemia include: · Muscular weakness · Fatigue · Bone pain and brittle bones · Loss of appetite · Irritability · Numbness · Confusion · Slow growth in children · Tooth decay Symptoms may not appear in case of mild deficiency, but only in case of severe or chronic deficiency.

Hyperphosphatemia is the condition where blood phosphorus levels rise higher than the normal range. This may occur due to: · Liver diseases · Kidney failure · Hypoparathyroidism (reduced secretion of parathyroid hormones) · Diabetic ketoacidosis initial stage · Increased phosphorus consumption in diet or through supplements

Symptoms of Hyperphosphatemia include: · Muscle spasms or cramps · Numbness and tingling sensation near mouth · Joint pain · Weak and brittle bones · Rashes and itchy skin

Dietary sources form the principal source of phosphorus. Some very commonly available food items rich in phosphorus are: · Animal Meat · Poultry · Seafood · Dairy products · Nuts · Whole grain · Beans

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.