Amyloidosis is a disease in which extracellular protein is deposited in the extracellular spaces of the tissues and organs. In amyloidosis, protein is deposited as tiny fibrils in the form of sheets. The type of amyloidosis deposited defines the treatment options that need to be adopted. The cause of amyloidosis also varies depending upon the kind of protein deposited. Amyloidosis occurs due to abnormality in the structure of protein or due to its abnormally high quantities. Thus, depending on the causes, amyloidosis is of two types viz. primary or localized and systemic. Symptoms and treatment methods of this disease are discussed as below:
Symptoms of Amyloidosis
Symptoms of this disease vary according to the kind of organ affected by the disease. Some symptoms of this disease are as follows:
- Weight loss
- General fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Bleeding
- Shortness of breath
- Joint pain
- Swollen tongue
- Skin changes
Certain symptoms that may occur due to this disease include:
- Weakness
- Joint pain
- Decreased urine output
- Hoarseness of voice
Patients may experience a combination of symptoms with this disease. Diagnosis of amyloidosis is by the detection of signs and symptoms of the disease as described above. Biopsy is helpful in the diagnosis of this disease. Other tests like ECG and blood count can also help in the diagnosis of associated symptoms.
Treatment of Amyloidosis
Though there is no permanent treatment of amyloidosis, various treatment therapies can be used to control the symptoms. If the condition is due to symptoms of another disease, treatment of all the symptoms of the associated disease is also required. Some treatment options for this disease are listed below:
Medicines are helpful in the treatment of amyloidosis. Medicines include corticosteroids and chemotherapy drugs that are effective treatment for primary systemic amyloidosis. The secondary type of this disease can be treated by anti-inflammatory medication therapy.
Organ transplant is a beneficial treatment method to cure this disease. Transplanting affected organs like kidney, heart, or liver can be an effective treatment option. Peripheral blood stem cell transplant is also considered helpful for some patients.
Other treatment methods may include modifications in the diet in case of a gastrointestinal-type disease; compression stockings can provide relief from swollen legs; and thickeners to prevent choking.
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