Iron Overload, Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

Iron is essential for body health, but in the case of iron overload, this could lead to serious health issues, but it’s a treatable condition.

Iron overload

Iron overload occurs when the body absorbs high amounts of iron from food and stores it in the organs.

Causes and risk factors of iron overload

In most of the cases, hemochromatosis occurs due to a gene mutation that is inherited from the parents.
In some cases, iron overload could occur as a result of another health condition or treatment. For example, when someone has anemia and needs frequent blood transfusions, this could lead to hemochromatosis.
The risk of iron overload increases due to the following factors: family history, liver disease, and heavy alcohol consumption.

Symptoms of iron overload

Some people might not have any symptoms of hemochromatosis, which may include:

Extreme tiredness and weakness.
Joint pain.
Abdominal pain.
Unexplained weight loss.
Loss of libido.
Arrhythmia.
Liver failure.
Gray or bronze skin color.
Memory fog.
If not managed, iron overload could lead to serious complications in the organ where it’s stored, such as liver cirrhosis, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and erectile dysfunction.

Diagnosis of iron overload

Physical exam.
Blood tests.
Imaging tests.
Liver biopsy.

Treatment of iron overload

Removing blood from the body regularly.
Iron chelation therapy.
Modifying the diet and avoiding taking iron and vitamin C supplements.

References

Porter JL, Rawla P. Hemochromatosis. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.Read reference

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Iron Overload : Iron is essential for body health, but in the case of iron overload, this could lead to serious health issues, but it's a treatable condition in Syria on Doctors.sy.

What medical category is Iron Overload in?

Iron Overload is categorized under Hematology on Doctors.sy in Syria.

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What is the scientific name related to Iron Overload?

Scientific name related to this article: Hemochromatosis.

Does Iron Overload include medical references?

Yes, Iron Overload includes 1 medical reference(s) in the references section below the article on Doctors.sy.

What is Iron overload?

Iron overload occurs when the body absorbs high amounts of iron from food and stores it in the organs.

What is Symptoms of iron overload?

Some people might not have any symptoms of hemochromatosis, which may include:

What is Treatment of iron overload?

Removing blood from the body regularly. Iron chelation therapy. Modifying the diet and avoiding taking iron and vitamin C supplements.