Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis: Symptoms and Treatment

About

A genetic disorder in which excessive iron builds up in the body.

Each blood donation, or blood removal treatment reduces 250 mg of iron in removing 500 ccs of blood. (#1)

1. Treatable by medical professionals
2. Medically diagnosed
3. Lab tests and imaging are done
4. Chronic - lasts for years or a lifetime

Mostly caused by genetic mutations, hemochromatosis causes excess iron to build up in organs like heart, liver, pancreas, joints, and pituitary and affects them. If left untreated, it can be fatal. The other type is secondary hemochromatosis, the aftermath of other diseases like anemia, thalassemia, a liver disease where multiple blood transfusions lead to accumulation of iron.

Symptoms

People may experience:
1. Fatigue
2. Pain in the joint areas and the abdomen
3. Pain in the knuckles of the pointer and middle finger
4. Weakness
5. Loss of sex drive
6. Memory fog
7. Irregular heartbeats, and heart flutters

Treatment

Self-care:
1. Avoid iron supplements, Vitamin C supplements, and multivitamins containing iron.
2. Avoid alcohol to avoid liver diseases.

Medications: Chelation medications are prescribed to those who can’t undergo blood removal because of anemia, heart diseases, etc.

Phlebotomy is a treatment, which involves frequent blood removals to bring iron levels to normal.

Specialist: Specialists: Consult a doctor if the symptoms are evident and the condition worsens. At mfine, we provide accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plans for all health concerns under a team of qualified doctors."