Haemochromatosis is a disorder of iron regulation (metabolism) in your body. It is a genetic condition that causes people to absorb excessive amounts of dietary iron. Because the regulation of iron absorption is "out of kilter", excess iron is stored in the tissue. The Irish Haemochromatosis Association is a support group for haemochromatosis patients and their families. In people without haemochromatosis the body only absorbs as much iron as it needs, with the rest being excreted by the body. Other problems that can be caused by excessive iron include heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Haemochromatosis is an inherited (genetic) condition and is considered to be the most common genetic disease in the world. In New Zealand approximately one person in every 200 has the condition, while approximately one in seven are carriers. Both sexes are at risk, but women tend to develop the condition later in life, since regular menstrual periods deplete the body of iron. Haemochromatosis tends to be under-diagnosed, partly because its symptoms are similar to those caused by a range of other illnesses.

Haemochromatosis is one of the most common hereditary diseases. Its main role is in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body. When too much iron is taken up it slowly builds up in various parts of the body, including the liver, heart and pancreas. It may be many years before there are any symptoms of haemochromatosis and when problems do arise they are often very vague and can be confused with many other conditions. This is the most common of all the genetic conditions; it is even more common than cystic fibrosis or muscular dystrophy. Sometimes the skin has a ‘sun-tanned' colour. If the pancreas is affected, diabetic complications may occur. Heart problems such as palpitations and shortness of breath can also happen.

Symptoms of Haemochromatosis

Some Symptoms of Haemochromatosis :

Painful joints
Bronze skin pigmentation
Loss of sex drive
Enlarged liver
Discomfort in the upper stomach
abdominal pain
weight loss
Fatigue
Diabetic symptoms such as excessive thirst and frequent urination .

Treatment of Haemochromatosis

Reducing the amount of iron absorbed by the body - patients are advised to avoid iron-rich foods and alcohol.
Removing excess iron from the body by removing blood from the body (venesection therapy or phlebotomy), often a pint a week, until iron levels in the blood are normal. .
Avoiding vitamin supplements containing vitamin C and iron
Avoiding excessive red meat and liver in the diet
Sexual dysfunction and arthritis do not usually improve. Indeed arthritis may appear later even if absent at the time of diagnosis and treatment.

Bowel & Stomach Diseases

Appendicitis
Barett's Oesophagus
Coeliac Disease
Crohn's Disease

Heart Problems

Angina
Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Stenosis
Arrhythmias
Atrial Fibrillation

Infectious Diseases

Bacterial Vaginosis
Bird Flu
Boils
Cellulitis
Chicken Pox
Cystitis

Skin Disorders

Acne
Alopecia Areata
Baldness

Women Diseases

Abnormal Periods
Atropic Vaginitis
Breast Cancer
Breast Pain
Cervical Cancer

Liver & Kidney Diseases

Cholecystitis
Cirrhosis
Fatty Liver Disease
Kidney Cancer
Liver Cancer

Mental Health

Anorexia Nervosa
Bipolar Affective Disorder
Bulimia Nervosa
Dementia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Schizophrenia

Disclaimer : All information on www.family-health-guide.org is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.