Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload)
Below was taken from the CDC http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemochromatosis/
Hemochromatosis occurs when the body absorbs too much iron from foods (and other sources such as vitamins containing iron). This disease causes extra iron to gradually build up in the body’s tissues and organs, a term called iron overload. If this iron buildup is untreated, it can, over many years, damage the body’s organs.
Although hemochromatosis can have other causes, in the United States the disease is usually caused by a genetic disorder. A person who inherits the defective gene from both parents may develop hemochromatosis. The genetic defect of hemochromatosis is present at birth, but symptoms rarely appear before adulthood. Because one inherits genes from his or her parents, this type of the disease is also called hereditary hemochromatosis.
Early indications of hemochromatosis include the following symptoms:
Fatigue (feeling very tired)
Weakness
Weight loss
Abdominal pain
Joint pain
Because these symptoms also occur with other diseases, hemochromatosis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages.
The iron overload associated with hemochromatosis can be detected through two blood tests. The tests measure how much iron is in the body. You can have these tests done in your doctor’s office. If hemochromatosis is detected early, treatment can slow its progress and prevent serious problems. However, if the disease is not detected and treated early, it can cause more serious problems. These problems include arthritis, heart problems, and liver problems (such as cirrhosis and liver cancer).
Treatment consists of periodically taking blood from the arm, much like giving blood. (phlebotomy) The treatment is safe and effective. Patients can expect a normal life span if they start treatment before organ damage has begun.
Here are a few links I found helpful:
http://www.irondisorders.org/Forms/diet.All.3.05.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemochromatosis/training/pdf/phlebotomy_info.pdf
Hemochromatosis occurs when the body absorbs too much iron from foods (and other sources such as vitamins containing iron). This disease causes extra iron to gradually build up in the body’s tissues and organs, a term called iron overload. If this iron buildup is untreated, it can, over many years, damage the body’s organs.
Although hemochromatosis can have other causes, in the United States the disease is usually caused by a genetic disorder. A person who inherits the defective gene from both parents may develop hemochromatosis. The genetic defect of hemochromatosis is present at birth, but symptoms rarely appear before adulthood. Because one inherits genes from his or her parents, this type of the disease is also called hereditary hemochromatosis.
Early indications of hemochromatosis include the following symptoms:
Fatigue (feeling very tired)
Weakness
Weight loss
Abdominal pain
Joint pain
Because these symptoms also occur with other diseases, hemochromatosis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages.
The iron overload associated with hemochromatosis can be detected through two blood tests. The tests measure how much iron is in the body. You can have these tests done in your doctor’s office. If hemochromatosis is detected early, treatment can slow its progress and prevent serious problems. However, if the disease is not detected and treated early, it can cause more serious problems. These problems include arthritis, heart problems, and liver problems (such as cirrhosis and liver cancer).
Treatment consists of periodically taking blood from the arm, much like giving blood. (phlebotomy) The treatment is safe and effective. Patients can expect a normal life span if they start treatment before organ damage has begun.
Here are a few links I found helpful:
http://www.irondisorders.org/Forms/diet.All.3.05.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemochromatosis/training/pdf/phlebotomy_info.pdf
posted by Teri Adkins at 11:43 AM
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