What is it about ?
Amyloidosis is an umbrella term for diseases caused by an abnormal buildup of protein (amyloid) in different parts of the body and in different organs. Almost all organs and parts of the body can be affected. The attack varies: it can be very localized or very extensive. There are hereditary and non-hereditary forms. Certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or blood diseases (whether malignant or not) can lead to amyloidosis.
What is its frequency?
Amyloidosis is a rare condition that affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people each year. The disease is usually diagnosed around the age of 60.
How to recognize it?
Amyloidosis doesn’t really show any characteristic symptoms because the protein can be deposited anywhere in the body. Due to the wide variety of forms it can take, the symptoms are also very diverse. This is why the affection is sometimes difficult to identify.
Overall, it can be said that the complaints are related to the location of the breach. The most affected organs are the kidneys, heart, nerves and skin. Kidney disease can result in proteinuria (= presence of protein in the urine) or even kidney failure, while damage to the nerves can lead to tingling. You don’t smell when you have protein in your urine. The doctor, on the other hand, can easily detect this problem. In the case of heart disease (heart disease), it is often a question of heart rhythm disturbances. Coughing and shortness of breath usually indicate lung damage. Bruises that are dotted or speckled can develop on the skin.
How is the diagnosis made?
If the doctor thinks you might have amyloidosis, they may find some abnormal proteins in your blood or urine. In addition, a piece of tissue from the affected organ may be taken (biopsy) for further examination.
What can you do ?
It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully. In this way, it is possible to prevent the affected organs from being damaged even more.
What can the doctor do?
On the one hand, the doctor will treat you for the symptoms caused by the affected organs. On the other hand, he will try to treat possible other conditions which give rise to the production of abnormal proteins.
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