Hemochromatosis is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the body absorbs and stores too much iron from the diet. If untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, including organ failure and even death.
The condition is typically divided into 3 stages:
Stage 1: Pre-cirrhotic: This is the earliest stage of hemochromatosis, in which the body’s iron levels are above normal but not yet dangerous. Symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, and abdominal discomfort.
The liver is usually normal in size at this stage, but iron may be building up in other organs, such as the heart, pancreas, and endocrine glands.
Stage 2: Cirrhosis: During this stage, the body’s iron overload reaches dangerous levels and the liver is beginning to be damaged. Symptoms include jaundice, ascites, loss of appetite, generalized itching, abdominal pain, and easy bruising.
Liver function is declining, and the risk of serious complications and death is becoming greater.
Stage 3: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: This is the most serious stage of hemochromatosis, when the body’s iron stores are very high. This can lead to heart failure, enlargement and thickening of the heart muscle, and an impaired ability to pump blood throughout the body.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and feet, and fatigue. Treatment at this stage involves managing the symptoms and trying to prevent further damage. If diagnosis and treatment occur early enough, it can be possible to reverse the condition and avoid long-term complications.
How long does it take for hemochromatosis to cause liver damage?
The amount of time it takes for hemochromatosis to cause liver damage can vary greatly from person to person. Factors such as the severity of the hemochromatosis, the frequency of iron removal treatments, and lifestyle choices can all affect the rate at which liver damage progresses.
On average, however, it can take several years for the chronic buildup of iron to lead to significant liver damage.
Hemochromatosis is generally a slow-progressing disease, and many people may remain asymptomatic for years before they are diagnosed or begin to experience symptoms. Also, the presence of iron can cause inflammation of the liver cells, which can eventually damage them and lead to irreversible damage.
Since hemochromatosis is a progressive disease, regular monitoring and treatment is necessary to prevent serious liver damage and other potentially life-threatening complications.
It is important to note that symptoms of liver damage can be experienced before any significant damage has occurred. Some of the common symptoms of liver damage caused by hemochromatosis include fatigue, weight loss, joint pain, nausea, and abdominal pain.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible as early treatment can help to prevent more serious complications.
Can you reverse liver damage from hemochromatosis?
Yes, it is possible to reverse liver damage from hemochromatosis. The main strategy for reversing liver damage from hemochromatosis is to reduce the amount of iron in the body and to keep it at reduced levels.
This can be achieved through regular therapeutic phlebotomy, which is similar to donating blood but removes a larger amount of iron-rich blood. During this process, up to a pint (450 mL) of blood is withdrawn every week and the iron levels in the body are monitored to ensure that they remain in the normal range (less than 250 µg/dL).
This process can effectively remove excess iron from the body, leading to the reversal of liver damage in many cases.
In addition to therapeutic phlebotomy, medications can be used to reduce the amount of iron that is absorbed from food, as well as to reduce the amount of iron that is stored in the body. These medications can be used in combination with therapeutic phlebotomy to keep iron levels in check and reduce the risk of further liver damage.
By reducing the amount of iron in the body, it is possible to reverse liver damage from hemochromatosis in many cases. However, it is important to note that this condition is chronic and there is no cure for it.
As such, regular monitoring of iron levels is important to prevent further damage and to ensure that the liver remains healthy.
Should I be worried about hemochromatosis?
Yes, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of hemochromatosis. Hemochromatosis is a hereditary condition in which the body absorbs and stores too much iron, resulting in a buildup of iron deposits in the tissues and organs.
Over time, this can cause serious health complications, including liver, joint, heart, and pancreatic issues, as well as an increased risk of diabetes, arthritis, and other chronic conditions. If you have a family history of hemochromatosis, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about testing for it and taking preventative measures to reduce your risk of developing complications.
Additionally, if you experience any unexplained chronic symptoms, such as joint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of libido, or a bronze skin color, it is important to speak to a doctor. They may be able to provide diagnosis and treatment.
What should you not do if you have hemochromatosis?
If you have been diagnosed with hemochromatosis, there are a few things you should not do to ensure the condition is managed properly and potential complications are avoided.
First, you should not ignore the condition and not seek treatment. Once diagnosed, a doctor will suggest regular blood donation to reduce the levels of iron present in your body. If this recommended treatment is not adhered to, it can cause further damage to your organs as well as weaken your immune system and leave you more vulnerable to infections.
Second, you should not drink alcohol in excess. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can cause further damage to your organs such as the liver, which is already affected by hemochromatosis. Drinking alcohol in excess can also be dangerous for your overall health, so it’s best to avoid it.
Third, you should not overindulge in iron-rich foods. Iron absorption can be increased in people with hemochromatosis and so it’s important to just have a regular diet and avoid eating large amounts of red meat, liver, shellfish, spinach, and certain vitamins and supplements.
Finally, you should not take iron supplements without consulting your doctor. Iron supplements can cause levels of iron in your body to become dangerously high and, in some cases, even lead to death.
If your doctor has prescribed you iron supplements, you should only take them as directed.
Ultimately, it’s important for anyone with hemochromatosis to speak to a doctor or specialist and follow their advice in order to stay healthy and prevent potential complications.
Is hemochromatosis always inherited?
No, Hemochromatosis is not always inherited. While the most common type, hereditary hemochromatosis (and the type most commonly associated with the name) is an inherited genetic disorder, the condition can also be acquired in other ways.
Besides hereditary, the main other type is secondary, or acquired, hemochromatosis. This type is caused by external factors, such as conditions like alcoholism and certain medical treatments, like a blood transfusion or long-term hemodialysis.
In secondary hemochromatosis, the body is exposed to too much iron — either through the diet or through treatments or medical conditions — and it begins to store too much in the body. This form of hemochromatosis is much less common than the inherited type.
What happens if you are a carrier to hemochromatosis?
If you are a carrier to hemochromatosis, it means you have one gene mutation related to the condition. Having one gene mutation associated with hemochromatosis doesn’t automatically mean that you will develop the condition, however.
Generally, most carriers will never experience the symptoms of hemochromatosis or any other health risks associated with it.
It is important to note that if you are a carrier, there is a chance that you could pass the gene mutation on to any offspring you may produce. Because of this, it’s important to be aware of your dominance to hemochromatosis and discuss it with your family and doctor.
If you are concerned that you may be a carrier for hemochromatosis, there are tests your doctor can use to determine your status. A simple blood test called hemoglobin analysis can be used to assess whether you have higher than normal levels of iron in your bloodstream.
Additionally, a genetic test can be done to determine if you are a carrier.
Although being a carrier for hemochromatosis does not mean you will develop the condition, it is important to be aware of it and any risks associated with it. It is also important to discuss your carrier status with your doctor, family, and any potential partners, as they may want to get tested as well.
How long is the average lifespan of a person with hemochromatosis?
The average lifespan of a person with hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder caused by too much iron in the bloodstream, depends on the severity of the disorder, as well as the quality of care received and the age of diagnosis.
People with mild, early-stage hemochromatosis typically have a healthy, normal lifespan if they receive treatment. However, if left untreated, severe or late-stage hemochromatosis can be fatal, particularly in those who are over 45.
It is estimated that up to 70% of people with hemochromatosis develop some type of organ damage, such as heart failure, endocrine disorders, and liver cirrhosis, if left untreated. Treatment usually involves regular bloodletting to remove excess iron, as well as dietary and lifestyle changes.
With treatment, most patients with hemochromatosis can achieve a normal lifespan.
Will hemochromatosis shorten my life?
No, hemochromatosis does not need to shorten your life expectancy. If diagnosed early and managed properly, most people with hemochromatosis can lead full, healthy lives. However, if left untreated, the buildup of iron in the body can lead to serious health complications, which can reduce life expectancy.
People with hemochromatosis can receive treatment to reduce the amount of iron in their body and prevent the health problems associated with it. Common treatments include therapeutic phlebotomy (bloodletting), iron chelators, and dietary changes.
By seeing a doctor and following their treatment recommendations, people with hemochromatosis can live healthy, long lives.