Amyloidosis: definition, causes, and how to treat it & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is amyloidosis?

Amyloidosis is a rare disease that can affect multiple organs and cause deadly organ failure.

There are several types of amyloidosis:

Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis is the most common type of amyloidosis, also known as primary amyloidosis. This condition is a result of abnormal antibodies produced by your bone marrow. This condition can affect your liver, kidneys, heart, skin and nerves.
AA amyloidosis referred to as secondary amyloidosis. It usually affects the kidneys, often co-occurring with other chronic infectious or inflammatory diseases.
Hereditary (familial) amyloidosis lowered, attacking the liver, nerves, heart and kidneys.
Amyloidosis is associated with dialysis occurs when amyloid builds up in joints and muscles, causing stiffness and fluid in the joints. This type generally affects people on long-term dialysis.

This condition can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of amyloidosis?

Usually, amyloidosis does not show any signs until it is advanced. Depending on the organ where the amyloid accumulates, you can experience different symptoms. Possible symptoms of amyloidosis are:

Skin changes
Stool like clay
Joint pain
Fatigue
Weakness
Hard to breathe
Weight loss
Swollen tongue
Irregular heartbeat.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes amyloidosis?

Amyloid is an abnormal protein produced in bone marrow. Amyloid can accumulate in other organs, causing a disease called amyloidosis. The specific cause of your condition depends on the type of amyloidosis you have.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for amyloidosis?

There are many factors that increase your risk of developing amyloidosis, namely:

Family history
Kidney dialysis
Age. People with AL amyloidosis are usually 50 years of age and older
Gender. Men are more prone to AL amyloidosis than women
Other diseases. Chronic infectious or inflammatory disease can increase the risk of AA amyloidosis.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is amyloidosis diagnosed?

If you experience one or more of the above symptoms, you should visit your doctor for a thorough diagnosis. Amyloidosis can be detected through laboratory tests (blood and urine), biopsy (tissue analysis) and imaging tests.

What are the treatments for amyloidosis?

There is no known cure for amyloidosis. However, treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent further damage. Chemotherapy is often recommended to stop the production of amyloidosis. Another option is a peripheral blood stem cell transplant. With this treatment, stem cells are extracted from the blood and stored while the body is undergoing chemotherapy.

Then, these stem cells will be transplanted back into the body through a blood vessel. Other drugs may be given to relieve pain, control blood conditions and heart rate, and treat fluid retention.