Quick And Informative Amyloidosis Facts

Amyloidosis is a very uncommon disorder due the production of an abnormal protein called amyloid in your body. It is generally built up in the bone marrow and can be deposited in any organ or tissue. These deposits can also be found in multiple organs like the liver, kidneys and heart, resulting in the organ failing. The progress of amyloid deposit production can be really quick and rapid.

Several varieties of amyloidosis take place in association with other diseases. These varieties are likely to heal with the treatment of the underlying disease. On the other hand, several varieties of amyloidosis might result in life-threatening organ failure.

The treatments of amyloidosis may include chemotherapy like the one used to fight cancer. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to lower the production of amyloidosis and to control amyloidosis symptoms.

Symptoms Of Amyloidosis

You might not really experience amyloidosis symptoms until your condition worsens.

Amyloidosis symptomsare as follows:

● Swelling of legs and ankles.

● Extreme weakness and fatigue.

● Running out of breath with minimal exertion.

● Not able to lie flat on bed due to shortness of breath.

● Constipation or diarrhea (probably even with blood).

● A swollen tongue that may look rippled around the edge at times.

● Tingling, pain or numbness in your feet and hands, and pain in your wrist.

● Unintentional weight loss of more than 4 kilograms.

● Skin changes like easy bruising or thickening, and purplish patches around the eyes.

● Inconsistent heartbeat.

● Difficulty swallowing.

Time To See Your Doctor

You should visit your doctor if you experience any of the amyloidosis symptoms associated with amyloidosis.

Causes Of Amyloidosis

There are various kinds of amyloidosis. Some of them are hereditary while others are caused by external factors such as long-term dialysis or inflammatory diseases. Many kinds impact multiple organs while others impact only one part of your body.

1. AL Amyloidosis

This is the most common type of amyloidosis in developed countries. AL amyloidosis is also known as primary amyloidosis. It generally impacts the kidneys, liver, heart, and nerves.

2. AA Amyloidosis

It is also called secondary amyloidosis. This type of amyloidosis is generally triggered by an inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis. Enhanced treatments for severe inflammatory conditions have led to a significant decline in the number of AA amyloidosis cases. It affects the liver, spleen, and kidneys.

3. hATTR Amyloidosis

hATTR amyloidosis is commonly known as family amyloidosis. This inherited disease usually affects the heart, nerves, and kidneys. It often occurs when a rare protein, transthyretin (TTR) is produced by your liver.

4. Localized Amyloidosis

This variety of amyloidosis generally has a better diagnosis than the other varieties that affect multiple organ systems. The usual sites of localized amyloidosis are the bladder, throat, skin, or lungs. Accurate diagnosis is crucial so that treatments that affect the whole body can be avoided.

5. Wild-type Amyloidosis

This kind of amyloidosis happens when the TTR protein produced by the liver is normal but produces amyloidosis for unknown reasons. Wild-type amyloidosis usually affects men over the age of 70 and generally targets the heart. It can also lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

To Sum It Up!

Apart from all the causes discussed above, you must know that the majority of people who show amyloidosis symptoms are between the age of 60 to 70 even though earlier onset may occur at times. It is mostly seen in men. Having a chronic inflammatory or infectious disease puts you at risk of AA amyloidosis. hATTR amyloidosis, on the other hand, is hereditary.

So, this is all about hattr amyloidosis. Hope it helps!