Published - Wed, 31 Aug 2022

Hemochromatosis – Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Hemochromatosis – Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

When there is too much iron builds up in the body, this condition is called Hemochromatosis.

This iron-storage disease is a pathology that affects men usually than it will girls. The girls lose blood through the periods, so they are unlikely to show signs of iron-storage disease till late in life. Pathology is additionally common in individuals of Western European descent.

What are the Symptoms of Hemochromatosis?

The symptoms of pathology might include:

o Liver issues[cirrhosis, hepatomegaly]

o Joint pain

o Fatigue

o Unexplained weight loss

o A darkening of the skin remarked as "bronzing"

o Abdominal pain

o Loss of sex drive

How is hemochromatosis diagnosed and treated?

Whenever pathology is suspected, a blood test is done to know the levels of iron in the blood, If excess iron is found, a genetic test(hemochromatosis deoxyribonucleic acid test) could also be ordered. And biopsy to see for excess iron in the organ [liver] is performed.

The goal of treatment is to get rid of excess iron from the body, similarly to scale back any symptoms or complications that have resulted from the malady.

o Therapeutic phlebotomy: Excess iron is removed from the body by a procedure referred to as phlebotomy. The procedure includes the removal of blood by using a needle and tube from the body, this is repeated every week for up to 2 or 3 years till the iron buildup has been reduced.

o Chelation therapy: The medicine utilized in iron chelation medical aid is either injected or taken orally (by mouth). Injected iron chelation medical aid is done at a doctor's office.

o Dietary modifications: To help keep iron levels down, individuals with pathology should strictly avoid iron supplements or food rich in iron. It is advisable to avoid alcohol.

If pathology has caused liver disease, the risk of carcinoma becomes higher. That’s why screening for cancer should be performed as per a physician’s advice

What Is the Prognosis for individuals with hemochromatosis?

With early diagnosis and early treatment, hemochromatosis is also a manageable disease., you can live a normal, healthy life. However, complications related to the diseases are fatal.

Created by

Dr. Prashant Raj

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