PRIMARY AMYLOIDOSIS

Amyloidosis occurs when a substance called amyloid builds up in your organs.It is generally a rare disease. Amyloid is an abnormal protein that is produced in your bone marrow and can be deposited to any tissue or organ.

Different organs will be affected by amyloidosis. There is also severe amyloidosis that could lead to life-threatening organ failure.

Amyloidosis has no cure. Certain treatments can help and relieve some of the signs symptoms and can limit the production of amyloid proteins.

TYPES

SYMPTOMS

Amyloidosis frequently affects the:

  • Heart
  • Kidneys
  • Liver
  • Spleen
  • Nervous system
  • Digestive tract

You can see visible signs and symptoms of amyloidosis when it is already progressive. Evident signs and symptoms depend on which organ is more affected.

Signs and symptoms of amyloidosis may include:

  • Ankle and leg swelling
  • Severe fatigue and weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Numbness, tingling or pain in your hands or feet, especially pain in your wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome)
  • Diarrhea, possibly with blood, or constipation
  • Unintentional, significant weight loss
  • Enlarged tongue
  • Skin changes, such as thickening or easy bruising, and purplish patches around the eyes
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Difficulty in swallowing

DIAGNOSIS

Early diagnosis can help prevent and avoid further organ damage. However, it is important to know your specific condition so that you can have precise treatment for your signs and symptoms. Amyloidosis is often associated with some more-common diseases.

Your doctor will evaluate your medical history and will do a physical exam.

Your doctor will also recommend some tests:

  • Laboratory tests.Your blood and urine may be analyzed
  • A tissue sample may be taken and checked for signs of amyloidosis.
  • Imaging tests.Images of the organs affected by amyloidosis can help establish the extent of your disease.

TREATMENT

Amyloidosis has no cure. But treatments can help manage and relieve signs and symptoms and can limit further complications of amyloidosis .

Treatments will depend on what type of amyloidosis you may have and they target the source of amyloid production.

Some supportive care can help manage and relieve ongoing signs and symptoms of amyloidosis.

These treatments will also be recommended by your doctor:

  • Pain medications
  • Blood-thinning medications
  • Heart rate control medications
  • Fluid retention medications (diuretic)
  • Low-salt diet

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