What is a common gastrointestinal symptom of hypercalcemia?

In hypercalcemia, one of the common gastrointestinal symptoms is constipation. Elevated calcium levels in the blood can slow down the gastrointestinal motility, leading to decreased bowel movements and difficulty in passing stools. The high calcium levels can disrupt the normal functioning of the intestines, which results in a higher likelihood of constipation.

While nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting can occur in other conditions or in extreme cases of hypercalcemia, they are not as characteristic of hypercalcemia itself. In contrast, the relationship between high calcium levels and constipation is well-documented, making it a key symptom to recognize and address in patients experiencing hypercalcemia.