What is amyloidosis?
Amyloidosis is a disorder in which abnormal proteins accumulate in organs and tissues. These protein clumps are known as amyloids, and can cause aging of tissues. This disease can affect the intestines, tongue, skeletal and smooth muscles, ligaments, skin, liver, kidneys, spleen and heart.
Amyloidosis can cause diseases such as carpal tunnel syndrome, renal failure, kidney problems, neuropathy, cardiomyopathy or intestinal malabsorption among others.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of amyloidosis are highly variable, depending on the organs and tissues that are affected. They usually include any of these symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Altered heart rhythm
- Shortness of breath
- Numbness of hands and feet
- Swelling in arms and legs
- Swelling of the tongue
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of hand strength
- Weight loss
- Joint pain
- Diarrhea
- Decreased urine output
- Voice changes or hoarseness
Causes of amyloidosis
Amyloidosis is related to an abnormal, excessive production of proteins, the cause of which may be partly genetic. When there is a surplus of proteins in the body, they accumulate in certain organs and tissues and do not allow them to work properly.
Can it be prevented?
There is no prevention method for amyloidosis, so early diagnosis is very important to start treatment as soon as possible.
What is the treatment?
The treatment of amyloidosis can be treated with chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation.