Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a rare disorder that affects one or more organs in the body, and although it doesn’t have a cure, it can be managed.

Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis occurs when an abnormal protein called amyloid starts to accumulate in organs, and it might lead to serious complications if left unmanaged.

Amyloidosis affects men more than women, and it’s more common after the age of 50.

Causes and risk factors leading to amyloidosis

• Generally, amyloidosis happens due to an inherited gene mutation or because of an underlying condition, such as a long-term inflammatory or infectious disease.
• The risk of amyloidosis increases due to the following factors: family history, being from an African race, long-term dialysis, and some underlying conditions like multiple myeloma.

Symptoms of amyloidosis

• Common symptoms of amyloidosis include weakness, extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and ankles, and numbness or pain in the hands or feet.
• Other symptoms of amyloidosis include dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, constipation, hypotension, enlarged tongue, and skin problems like thickening or easy bruising.
• Amyloidosis could lead to serious complications when it’s not managed, such as heart arrhythmia, kidney failure, and neuropathy (nerve damage).

Diagnosis of amyloidosis

• Blood tests.
• Biopsy.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of amyloidosis

• There isn’t a cure for amyloidosis, but it can be managed by medicines and certain procedures.