Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026

A Calcium Phosphate-Induced Mouse Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Model
Published on: November 18, 2022
Life-Threatening Calcium Chloride Ingestion
Ki-Kwan Kang1, Hyoung-Jong Kim1, Dong-Yoon Kim2
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Chung-Ang Jeil Hospital, Chungbuk, South Korea.
None:
Calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl2·2H2O), a common component in household dehumidifiers in South Korea, poses a significant risk of toxicity upon ingestion. We present a case of life-threatening hypercalcemia following intentional calcium chloride dihydrate ingestion, with a focus on electrolyte homeostasis and physiological adaptation. An 86-year-old Korean woman presented with transient unconsciousness after ingesting dehumidifier fluid. She exhibited drowsiness and developed sinus tachycardia 10 h later. Severe hypercalcemia (19.4 mg/dL) was the main biochemical disturbance. Parathyroid hormone was initially suppressed but later rose, facilitating renal calcium excretion and phosphorus regulation. Electrolyte levels normalized by day 4. Prompt treatment, including gastric lavage and cardiac management, led to a full recovery. A rapid parathyroid hormone response played a crucial role in restoring calcium balance.
Related Concept Videos
Ionic Bonds
When atoms gain or lose electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration they form ions. Ionic bonds are electrostatic attractions between ions with opposite charges. Ionic compounds are rigid and brittle when solid and may dissociate into their constituent ions in water. Covalent compounds, by contrast, remain intact unless a chemical reaction breaks them.
Opposing Charges Hold Ions Together in Ionic Compounds
Ionic bonds are reversible electrostatic interactions between ions...
Introduction to Electrolytes
Role of Sodium
One...
Roles of Electrolytes: Chloride and Bicarbonate
Conditions such as hypochloremia can arise from insufficient chloride reabsorption by the kidneys, often compounded by extended bouts of diarrhea, vomiting,...
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
Urinary Tract Calculi IV: Nutrition Therapy and Prevention

