Acquired Iron Overload Article

Hemochromatosis Defined

When a person experiences too much iron in the body on a consistent basis that is referred to as “Hemochromatosis”. Hemochromatosis can be an extremely dangerous condition, which can lead to organ failure and death in people that experience it. Most people who experience this condition do so because of heredity. In this article, we will expound on what Hemochromatosis is and how it can affect the person who suffers from it.

People are generally born with Hemochromatosis; however, symptoms generally show up once a person is an adult. There is usually a defect in a gene, more specifically, “HFE”, that leads to the development of Hemochromatosis. This particular gene is responsible for controlling the iron that is released into the body from various types’ food and beverages that are ingested. There are a few cases of Hemochromatosis that does not result from a defective gene, but simply from a large amount of iron in the body.

Hemochromatosis can affect just about anyone, but research has found that men are more likely to develop this condition. Various ethnic backgrounds have a history of Hemochromatosis, but certain groups carry less of a risk in developing it. Some of these groups include those of African Americans, Indians, Asians, and Hispanics. Please keep in mind that although it is rare for one of these groups to experience this, it is still possible that it can occur.

There are many symptoms of Hemochromatosis. Among the most complained symptoms is joint pain. Many people experience numerous symptoms all at once with this condition. Some of the other symptoms include extreme fatigue, problems with various organs, and pain in the abdomen and other areas of the body. Hemochromatosis can result in extreme and even fatal problems if it is not dealt with in a timely manner. Some of the problems that may arise are as follows: * Issues with the liver, including complete failure * Arthritis may occur * The adrenal gland may suffer from irreversible damage * Women may go into menopause early * Men may experience impotence * Men and women alike may experience problems and deficiencies in the thyroid * Pancreas problems may occur. Many people may even end up with diabetes. * People may even experience heart problems with Hemochromatosis.

There are many simple methods that Hemochromatosis is treated. The first step is treating this condition is to eliminate the extra iron that is in the body. The process by which the extra iron is eliminated consists of taking blood from the body and separating the iron and then replacing the blood. Once this process is successful, a blood test will be issued every six months to a year to determine when this process needs to be done again. If the condition is caught in the early stages, success is probable. If treatment is left for an excessive amount of time, then it can be harmful to the organs of the body and possibly even fatal.