Haemochromatosis
About one in 300 Australians has the disease haemochromatosis, a condition in which the body takes in too much iron from the diet.
In small amounts, iron is essential for our bodies to work normally. Its main role is in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body. A normal diet contains far more iron than we need and most of us only absorb as much as we need when food is digested in the intestine.
When too much iron is taken up it slowly builds up in various parts of the body, including the liver, heart and pancreas. Eventually these organs may be permanently damaged by the iron in them. 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.
Extreme tiredness, weight loss, joint pains and pains in the belly are common symptoms. 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. These symptoms are not usually noticed before the age of 30. Women usually develop symptoms later than men because they lose some iron every month when menstruating.
How is haemochromatosis diagnosed?
When haemochromatosis is suspected the diagnosis is made by blood tests and sometimes by taking a tiny sample (biopsy) of the liver.
Haemochromatosis is an inherited (genetic) disease and anyone with a close relative suffering from it should be tested to make sure they are not affected. This is very important because early diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent damage. Genetic testing for haemochromatosis is possible.
What is the treatment for haemochromatosis?
Treatment is lifelong. It involves having blood taken out of the body, just like being a blood donor. When this is done the body's response is to make extra blood, using up some of the stored iron. When the condition is first diagnosed it may be necessary to remove about half a litre of blood every week for up to 2 years. Once the excess iron has gone blood is removed 3 or 4 times a year.
Many things can cause chronic tiredness. If you feel like that and have a better sun-tan than you expect talk to your doctor about haemochromatosis.
Last Reviewed: 14 September 2009
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