The body of infected people makes an abnormal protein called amyloid. Accumulation of abnormal proteins in organs such as kidneys, heart, liver, etc. will lead to their failure.
What type of disease is amyloidosis? What are its symptoms?
Is amyloidosis an autoimmune disease?
In the following, we will introduce the types of amyloidosis and autoimmune amyloidosis.
what you will read next :
What is amyloidosis?
There is no amyloid protein in the body of healthy people. If for any reason abnormal amyloid protein is made in your body, the accumulation of this protein deposits in vital and important organs and causes a number of disorders and functional problems and even organ failure.
What organs are damaged in amyloidosis (amyloidosis)?
Amyloid protein may be deposited in the following organs:
- Kidneys
- Intestines and gastrointestinal tract
- Heart
- liver
- joints
- Nerves
- Skin
- Soft tissues
Abnormal amyloid protein sometimes accumulates throughout the body. This form of amyloidosis is called systemic amyloidosis or body wide amyloidosis.
What are the symptoms of amyloidosis?
Amyloid disease in the early stages can be asymptomatic, with the progression of the disease and an increase in abnormal amyloid protein deposits, clinical manifestations begin, Symptoms depend on the type of organ or organs involved in the accumulation of amyloid protein.
In the following, we will get acquainted with the specific symptoms of involvement of each organ in amyloidosis
- Symptoms of amyloidosis (autoimmune) In case of kidney involvement
- Symptoms of amyloidosis (autoimmune) in case of heart involvement
- Symptoms of amyloidosis (autoimmune) in case of liver involvement
- Symptoms of amyloidosis (autoimmune) in case of intestinal and gastrointestinal involvement
- Symptoms of amyloidosis (autoimmunity) in case of nerves involvement
Symptoms of amyloidosis (autoimmune) In case of kidney involvement
- Swelling of the legs
- foamy urine
Symptoms of amyloidosis (autoimmune) in case of heart involvement
- Changes in heart rate, decreased or increased heart rate, and irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Decreased blood pressure which can cause lightheadedness.
Symptoms of amyloidosis (autoimmune) in case of liver involvement
- Upper abdominal pain
Symptoms of amyloidosis (autoimmune) in case of intestinal and gastrointestinal involvement
- Nausea
- Vomit
- Sometimes weight
- Decreased appetite
- Feeling prematurely full
Symptoms of amyloidosis (autoimmunity) in case of nerves involvement
- the pain
- Numbness
- Tingling of the hands and feet
- Reduction or lack of feeling of warmth and cold
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
What are the general symptoms of amyloidosis (autoimmune)?
- Joint pain
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Bruising around the eyes
- Bruising of the skin
- Swelling of the tongue
- Tingling of the hands
- Tingling of the legs
Our doctors recommend that if you have some of these symptoms for a few days, it is best to see a doctor for a better examination.
What are the types of amyloidosis?
- Light chain Amyloidosis (AL):
Light chain Amyloidosis (AL) is the most common type of amyloidosis.
In AL, an amyloid protein called Light chain is made in organs of the body. These organs are usually the liver, heart, kidneys, and skin.
This type of amyloidosis is also called primary amyloidosis.
- Autoimmune amyloidosis (AA):
You may develop an autoimmune form of amyloidosis after an inflammatory and infectious disease.
These diseases can include the following:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Tuberculosis
- IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)
It is estimated that half of patients with the autoimmune form of amyloidosis have rheumatoid arthritis.
The organs that are particularly damaged in the autoimmune type of amyloidosis are the kidneys.
The gastrointestinal tract, heart, and liver may also be damaged.
The autoimmune type of amyloidosis is called secondary amyloidosis.
That is, it occurs secondarily caused by an inflammatory or infectious disorder.
- Dialysis related Amyloidosis:
It occurs in people with a long history of renal dialysis.
Amyloid protein builds up in the joints, causing pain, swelling, and dryness in the joint.
- Hereditary or familial amyloidosis:
This type is rare.
There is a type of genetic mutation.
Nerve fibers, liver, heart and kidneys are damaged in inherited and familial type.
Senile type:
It hurts the hearts of older men.
Risk factors for this disease
- High age
- Most primary amyloid types are over 50 years old
- Men
- Black Americans
- A history of an autoimmune inflammatory disease or infection
- Having a history of kidney problems
- Family history
White blood cells called plasma cells produce amyloid.
How is amyloidosis diagnosed?
In addition to taking a history and clinical examination, Physician will get help from the following methods for accurate diagnosis:
- Biopsy from Suspicious skin, liver and kidney
- Cardiac examinations such as echo
- Assessment of urinary proteins
- Electrophoresis (separation) of blood proteins
Is there a cure for amyloidosis?
Amyloidosis is incurable, But treatments help reduce the severity of symptoms and the rate at which the disease progresses.
- Tranquilizers and painkillers
- Medications prescribed to control heart problems
- Common medications to control gastrointestinal symptoms
- Diuretics to reduce edema
In addition to these symptom-reducing treatments, your doctor may consider measures and treatments appropriate to your injury condition.