What Are the Main Symptoms of Hemochromatosis?

Hemochromatosis is a condition where there the body stores up iron taken from foods and supplements. Eventually, this massive absorption leads to iron overload. People with hemochromatosis usually do not feel any effects even if iron levels continue to rise. Symptoms of hemochromatosis usually appear when iron deposits in the body reaches toxic levels. The condition develops because of a presence of an HFE gene. Why this gene exists is not known. Some will have the gene but not have hemochromatosis. Others will have a negative result on tests that will determine the presence of the gene, but will still develop hemochromatosis.

Symptoms of hemochromatosis depend on which organ has toxic levels of iron deposits. Iron overload often occurs in organs such as the brain, liver, heart, and pancreas, as well as the joints. Symptoms often include:

– Chronic fatigue

– Joint pain

– Muscle weakness

– Abdominal pain

– Enlarged liver or hepatomegaly

– Heart arrhythmias

– Diabetes

– Confusion, disorientation

Once symptoms of hemochromatosis start to manifest, it is important that you consult the doctor for treatment. Treatment is done with the aim of lowering the level of iron in the body, prevent or halt the progression of complications. Therapeutic phlebotomy is done, which is similar to donating blood. 500ml of blood is taken in a regular basis along with blood tests to see if iron levels in your blood are going down to acceptable levels. Do note, though, that people with hemochromatosis cannot donate blood because of toxic iron levels. If phlebotomy is contraindicated, then iron chelating agents are given orally. These drugs help prevent the absorption of iron and aids in flushing it out in your urine and stool.

Even with the presence of therapy, you must take your part in controlling your iron levels to prevent symptoms of hemochromatosis from getting worse. You must modify your diet by lessening or eliminating red meats in your diet. Red meats contain the most number of heme iron that is rapidly absorbed by the body. Another way to help your condition is to lessen your intake of alcohol, as iron also affects iron absorption. Your intake of supplemental Vitamin C must also be reduced to at least 200mg per day for Vitamin C increase the efficacy of absorbing iron. If you have problems with hemochromatosis, consult your physician and he will refer to you several specialists for adequate treatment.

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