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Haemochromatosis - Haemochromatosis symptom, treatment, causes


Haemochromatosis is a hereditary disease characterized by improper processing by the body of dietary iron which causes increased absorption of dietary iron, which is deposited in the body tissues and organs. The iron accumulates over a long period of time where it is deposited in many parts of the body including joints and organs such as the liver, pancreas and heart. Iron overload is potentially fatal but easily prevented. This disorder is common in people of northern European descent. It is one of the most treatable disorders if detected early. In many cases, haemochromatosis is caused due to an inherited abnormality that causes the body to increase absorption of iron from the intestine. This condition is called primary haemochromatosis. Secondary haemochromatosis occurs when abnormal red blood cells in the body are destroyed and iron is released. Persons suffering from haemochromatosis tend to feel fatigue and lethargy. There might be joint pain or arthritis. Men might notice impotence and reduced sex drive. Other symptoms of haemochromatosis are loss of body hair and darkening of skin. Haemochromatosis is diagnosed through blood tests and liver biopsy. Deficiency can be treated with supplements of iron, Vitamin B-12 and Vitamin C. Partaking an iron-rich diet can be beneficial for those suffering from nutritional deficiency anemia.

A disorder in which excessive iron circulates in the blood and accumulates in tissues. Increased iron may be absorbed from food because of a hereditary disorder in which the normal restraint on iroq absorption is lost: when we are healthy, we absorb only as much as we need. Megadoses of vitamin C may also increase iron absorption. Otherwise, the excess may come from iron injections or repeated blood transfusions. Haemochromatosis (also called bronze diabetes) may damage organs such as the liver, heart, pancreas and pituitary gland. The condition occurs almost exclusively in men, and is rarely evident before middle age.

Symptoms of Haemochromatosis

A feature of the disorder is bronze discoloration of the skin, and there may also be shortness of breath and accumulation of fluid in tissues due to HEARTFAILURE; jaundice and accumullation of fluid in the abdominal cavity due to CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER; excessive urine production and thirst due to DIABITES MELLITUS shrinkage of the testes, loss of libido, and breast enlargement and tenderness due to loss of the pituitary hormones that stimulate the testes; abdominal pain: and arthritis. Some sign and symptoms related to Haemochromatosis are as follows:

  • Weakness and lethargy.
  • Loss of sex drive.
  • Erectile dysfunction and hypogonadism.
  • Heart problems.
  • Weight loss.
  • Depression, disorientation, or memory problems.
  • Loss of body hair.
  • Skin darkening.

Diagnosis and Treament of Haemochromatosis

Diagnosis is by blood tests and liver biopsy to demonstrate excessive iron. Treatment is by withdrawal of blood from a vein, which is done weekly until iron levels return to. norma!, and then several times a year to maintain normal levels. Here is list of the methods for treating Haemochromatosis:

  • A person with haemochromatosis is treated with venesection until iron in the blood is reduced to normal levels. Depending on the severity of the condition, this may take around one and a half years of up to twice-weekly visits in extreme cases.
  • Initially blood and the iron in the red blood cells may be removed weekly until body iron stores return to normal. This may take months or longer. Treatment may be lifelong.
  • Drinking tea with meals may be of benefit. Other foods that can decrease iron absorption when eaten with iron-containing foods include coffee, beans, oregano, eggs and nuts taken with a meal.
  • Fruit juice drinks containing vitamin C should be consumed between, rather than with, meals and snacks. Vitamin C increases the amount of iron absorbed from foods.

 


Haemochromatosis - Haemochromatosis symptom, treatment, causes

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