Digestive System
Medications
Related eMedTV
Health Channels

Symptoms of Hemochromatosis (Cont.)

Advanced Symptoms of Hemochromatosis

Symptoms that can occur in advanced stages of hemochromatosis include:
 
  • Arthritis
  • Liver disease, including an enlarged liver, cirrhosis, cancer, and liver failure
  • Damage to the pancreas, possibly causing diabetes
  • Chronic (ongoing) abdominal pain
  • Severe fatigue
  • Weakening of the heart muscle
  • Problems with your heart rate or rhythms
  • Heart failure
  • Abnormal skin color, making it look gray or bronze.
     

Symptoms of Hemochromatosis: A Summary

Hemochromatosis often goes undiagnosed and untreated. It is considered rare, and doctors may not think to test for it. The initial symptoms of hemochromatosis can be diverse and vague and can mimic the symptoms of many other diseases. In addition, doctors may focus on the conditions caused by hemochromatosis -- for example, arthritis, liver disease, heart disease, or diabetes -- rather than on the underlying iron overload. However, if the iron overload caused by hemochromatosis is diagnosed and treated before organ damage has occurred, a person can generally live a normal, healthy life.
 

Pages:

Previous 1 2

Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD