Amyloidosis can damage liver, kidney and heart, what is the cause of this disease?

Amyloidosis is a rare disease that occurs when a protein called amyloid starts building up in our body’s organs. Due to amyloid, body parts do not function properly. This has adverse effects on the heart, kidney, spleen, nervous system and digestive system. Some types of amyloidosis occur with other diseases. Some of these can also cause organ failure. Its treatment includes chemotherapy in addition to the drugs used to treat cancer. Symptoms of amyloidosis can vary depending on which organ is affected.
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What is amyloidosis?

MayoClinic (Reference) According to amyloidosis, proteins in the body change. These get accumulated in our organs and tissues. Amyloidosis (systemic) can be widespread or limited to one area. The most common form of systemic amyloidosis, which affects organs and multiple tissues. In some cases, systemic amyloidosis can damage organs and can even be fatal.

Localized amyloidosis affects a single organ or part of the body. There are many types of amyloidosis and some of them affect a specific organ such as liver, kidney, heart and nerves. Whereas other amyloidosis spreads throughout your body. Doctors can’t cure amyloidosis, but they can slow its progression and reduce its symptoms.

Symptoms of Amyloidosis

It is difficult to detect the symptoms of this disease in the beginning. Its symptoms can vary and depend on which organ is affected.

• increased fatigue and weakness
• difficulty breathing
• numbness, pain, or tingling in hands and feet
• swelling in ankles and feet
• bleeding in constipation or diarrhea
• swollen tongue
• skin changes
• purple spots around the eyes

cause of amyloidosis

There are many types of amyloidosis. Some of these are genetics. Apart from this, some are also caused by external factors like inflammatory diseases or prolonged dialysis. Some types of amyloidosis affect multiple organs. Whereas others affect only one part of the body.

Types of amyloidosis

1. L amyloidosis: L amyloidosis is also called primary amyloidosis. Generally it affects the heart, kidney, liver and nerves.
2. AA amyloidosis: AA amyloidosis is also called secondary amyloidosis. It is caused by inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. It affects the kidneys, liver and spleen.
3. Hereditary Amyloidosis: This hereditary disorder affects the heart and kidneys in addition to the nerves. This usually happens when a protein made by the liver is abnormal. This protein is called transthyretin (TTR).
4. Wild type amyloidosis: This is also called senile systemic amyloidosis. This happens when the protein made by our liver is normal but it forms amyloid without any reason. It most commonly affects the heart and is more likely to occur in men above 70 years of age.
5. Localized amyloidosis: This affects the bladder, throat, or lungs. Its correct diagnosis is very important so that treatments that affect the entire body can be avoided.

Risk Factors for Amyloidosis

Some of the factors that increase the risk of amyloidosis are as follows:

• Age
• gender
• other diseases
• family history
• kidney dialysis

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.