{"id":10822,"date":"2019-09-08T08:01:55","date_gmt":"2019-09-08T08:01:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=10822"},"modified":"2021-06-30T14:30:08","modified_gmt":"2021-06-30T14:30:08","slug":"16-frequent-symptoms-of-amyloidosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/16-frequent-symptoms-of-amyloidosis\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Frequent Symptoms of Amyloidosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Amyloidosis is a serious disease that can affect different organs and parts of the body. It\u2019s a relatively rare disease, but those who suffer from it often struggle with it for many years. The condition causes a substance called Amyloid to build up in the body. It can cause a variety of symptoms, and in severe cases, it can lead to death. There is no cure for it, but there are treatments available that can help relieve the symptoms and improve the patient\u2019s quality of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The symptoms of Amyloidosis often become more severe and obvious as the disease progresses. It is not uncommon for more than one organ to be affected or for a patient to demonstrate a variety of symptoms. The sooner a proper diagnosis is made, the sooner the patient can begin treatment and find relief. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are 16 of the most frequent symptoms of the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Swollen Ankles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, Amyloidosis <\/a>can cause swelling in your ankles or other parts of your body. The disease can affect different organs and functions in the body. Swollen ankles can be painful and make it hard to move around, walk, and even sleep. They can also be symptoms of many other health problems. Putting your feet up can help relieve the swelling and any pain or discomfort associated with swollen ankles. Drinking plenty of fluids can also help with swelling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The swelling will likely reappear if the underlying cause is treated. The location of the Amyloidosis determines if it can be treated successfully and what type of treatment is best. The swelling may move up the legs and affect other parts of your body as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inflammation is a common symptom of Amyloidosis, but it is not enough to confirm a diagnosis without further testing.  The swelling may be mild or severe based on the severity of the Amyloidosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Fatigue<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people who are suffering from amyloidosis report feelings of fatigue<\/a>. They may also suffer from periodic weakness. Anytime there is a strain on the body, it can result in fatigue and weakness. Amyloidosis can affect one or more organs in the body. When your organs don\u2019t function right, blood flow can be reduced, and the brain and heart may not get enough oxygen. This can cause the body to be strained and lead to severe fatigue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you don\u2019t feel well, you may expect to feel tired, but when that fatigue becomes chronic or if you are getting plenty of sleep and rest and still feel overly tired, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Fatigue can be a symptom of many other illnesses and is not a sign of Amyloidosis on its own. Talk to your doctor if you are struggling with fatigue to ensure a proper diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Shortness of Breath<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Shortness of breath is common in people who are suffering from Amyloidosis, especially if the disease is affecting the lungs. If the lungs don\u2019t function properly, you can\u2019t get enough oxygen <\/a>to other organs, and your whole body may start to shut down. You may struggle to fill your lungs with air because you are unable to take in deep breaths. Shortness of breath can become worse during activities or times of stress. It may also be worse at night or in the morning just after waking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The shortness of breath may appear at random and may be occasional or frequent. Most people don\u2019t seek medical attention for shortness of breath unless it becomes severe or is ongoing. Many people also don\u2019t realize that it can be a sign of something as serious at Amyloidosis. Many people assume this symptom is related to something else until they receive a diagnosis of Amyloidosis.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Numbness in Hands and Feet<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Amyloidosis has been known to cause tingling and numbness <\/a>in the fingers, hands, feet, and toes. This can feel painful or just uncomfortable. It may go away once you start moving around, or it can last for several hours. Some people find that they only experience this symptom when they are sitting still or lying down. Some feel it right before going to sleep or as soon as they wake up. It is also common in the wrist and may feel like carpal tunnel syndrome and even be misdiagnosed as it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This symptom is usually more annoying than painful, and many people don\u2019t see it as a reason to be alarmed when they first experience it. It\u2019s only after the symptom has presented itself chronically that they begin to realize there is something wrong and seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Numbness in the hands and feet is a common symptom of many disorders, so doctors may need to do several tests to confirm a diagnosis of Amyloidosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Enlarged Tongue<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The tongue <\/a>is one of the most common parts of the body affected by this condition; however; the disease is rarely isolated to this area. This is one of the areas where symptoms are often more obvious and severe. Some people experience an enlarged tongue in the early stages of the disease while others only experience this symptom when the disease becomes severe or once they have been suffering from it for a long time. \u00a0It can be painful and make eating, talking, and swallowing difficult. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This symptom usually motivates people to seek medical treatment quickly do to the discomfort it causes. In most cases, surgery is the only way to reduce the size of the tongue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment for the disease can prevent the tongue from becoming enlarged again, causing further complications, and also prevent the disease from worsening or spreading to other vital organs and areas of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Bruising<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The amyloid deposits in the blood of a person suffering from this condition can cause blood to pool and the sufferer to bruise <\/a>more easily. This can occur in different parts of the body, depending on which part is affected by the disease. It is most noticeable around the eyes, nose, lips, and face. This is one of the most obvious symptoms of the disease and also one of the most severe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people are embarrassed by the bruising and try to hide it with makeup or by wearing clothing that hides the arms or legs.  This develops in the elderly, and the bruises may appear with a light touch. They may find themselves unable to wear jewelry or even clothing that fits tightly, as it can cause bruising. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Running up against a wall or lightly bumping into something can make the bruising obvious and severe.  A doctor can usually diagnose the disease based on this symptom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Difficulty Swallowing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people who suffer from Amyloidosis report problems swallowing. This is often the result of a swollen or enlarged tongue, but can also be caused by swollen tonsils. When the amyloids build up in the esophagus or larynx, it can be hard to swallow, breathe, and even talk. It can even cause sleep apnea<\/a>, which can be dangerous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This symptom is usually an alarming one and causes many people to seek medical attention. It can show up in the early stages of the disease or come on after a person has already been diagnosed with Amyloidosis and has been suffering from it for a long time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors can diagnose the problem and come up with a treatment plan that can help make breathing, and swallowing easier. This symptom is one of the most dangerous, and if left untreated, it could cause serious complications and even be fatal. It\u2019s important to seek medical attention if you experience this symptom, even if you haven\u2019t yet been diagnosed with Amyloidosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Weight Loss<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people who are suffering from this condition have severe, sudden, and unwanted weight loss<\/a>. The Weight loss can be caused by the symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, enlarged tongue, or fatigue, or it can be the result of the disease, causing problems with the digestive system. Many people with this disease simply don\u2019t have an appetite or can\u2019t eat as much as they should because of their symptoms. Eating may be painful or make breathing difficult. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people are simply too tired to fix healthy meals or eat properly. This can be a vicious cycle because a lack of nutrients can also cause a lack of energy and make it hard for a person to overcome fatigue. Many people who suffer from this disease have to be put on specific diets or drink supplemental beverages to ensure that they get the nutrients they need to stay healthy and live a normal life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Irregular Heartbeat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with amyloidosis may notice that they develop an irregular heartbeat<\/a>. The patient may experience this at any stage of the day, whether lying in bed or walking around. The irregular heartbeat occurs due to an increase in amyloid levels in the bloodstream.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amyloid will reduce the heart’s ability to fill the chambers with blood between its beats. As a result, the heart pumps less blood around the body with each heartbeat. This symptom of amyloidosis may cause the affected individual to experience shortness of breath. The patient may notice that the sign of shortness of breath is worse when they are climbing stairs or during physical activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When amyloidosis affects the hearts electrical management, it may result in the onset of an irregular heartbeat. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this condition, and the patient is at a higher risk of developing heart complications as a result of the situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Diarrhea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with the onset of amyloidosis experience changes in the electrical impulses sent by the brain to other regions of the body. As a result, they may develop a wide range of symptoms that affect every biological system in the body. If the electrical impulses to the bowels experience disturbance, it may result in the patient developing diarrhea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient may also notice that blood appears in the stool. If so, then it’s advisable to seek medical treatment right away, as this symptom could be a sign of a severe complication in the digestive system<\/a>. Occasionally, people with amyloidosis may experience the onset of constipation symptoms as well, although diarrhea is more common.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The digestive system relies on electrical impulses in the nerves to maintain its normal peristaltic movement. Changes in these impulses result in the onset of changes in the gastrointestinal tract that result in changes in the way the affected individual passes stool or how they digest food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Dehydration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This symptom is one of the more severe complications arising from amyloidosis. As mentioned, affected individuals may find that they start to experience the onset of diarrhea <\/a>symptoms. When a person has severe diarrhea, it removes vital fluids, minerals, and electrolytes from the body. The body relies on a delicate mineral and electrolyte balance to maintain metabolic and neurological function. Disturbances in this balance may result in the development of a nervous system issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of the mineral imbalance brought about by dehydration due to diarrhea, the patient may start to experience the onset of seizures. If the patient does not receive immediate hydration through an IV drip, they may end up falling into a coma during one of the seizures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After each bout of diarrhea, the patient should consume a rehydration beverage that replenishes the body’s levels of electrolytes, minerals, and water. Avoid using sports drinks like Gatorade for rehydration. The sugar in these beverages may upset the digestive system further, resulting in more diarrhea symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Nervous System Disruption<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Amyloid causes numerous changes in the nervous system<\/a> and the electrical signals it sends to nerve endings throughout the body. The affected individual may notice many neurological and physiological changes in the body as the condition progresses. The patient may find that the increases in amyloid proteins in the body lead to the onset of other nervous system disorders that decrease the patient’s quality of life dramatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, there is no cure for amyloidosis, but there are numerous treatments available to provide the patient with some form of a positive outlook for their condition. Most of the therapies revolve around reducing the number of amyloid proteins floating around the body. By reducing the level of proteins, the patient experiences fewer neurological and physiological symptoms associated with the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are struggling with the effects of amyloidosis, speak to your doctor about treatments available to help you manage your condition, and limit the impact of amyloidosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Kidney Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with the effects of amyloidosis may find that they develop kidney problems. The kidney issues occur due to the impact of the amyloid proteins on the organs. The kidneys may start to leak proteins, resulting in symptoms of discomfort <\/a>and pain in the lower back.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the condition progresses, the patient may have trouble clearing waste from the kidneys. As a result of the disease, the affected individual may experience a slow loss of kidney function. Chronic kidney disease is a life-threatening situation if left undiagnosed and unmanaged. If you experience pain in your lower back, speak to your doctor for a diagnosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with CKD require regular dialysis treatment to remove waste products from the kidneys and filter the blood. Patients with severe CKD require this treatment two or three times a week to prevent the buildup of toxins in the bloodstream. If left unmanaged, kidney dysfunction could lead to kidney failure and death in the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Dizziness When Standing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The body relies on the nervous system to regulate all biological activity in the body. When we experience a disruption in the nervous system’s normal function, it leads to a wide range of physiological and neurological issues. When levels of amyloid proteins get to high in the body, it results in the onset of amyloidosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the nerves that control blood pressure experience disruption as a result of the condition, the patient may start to experience problems with balance<\/a>. The affected individual may find that they feel unstable when rising from a seated position. The patient may also find that they encounter issues with maintaining their balance while walking as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, patients that rise from a seated position may also feel lightheaded. If left undiagnosed and untreated, the patient may eventually start to pass out after rising. Passing out on your feet can result in a severe injury to the head if no-one is around to catch you when you fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Confusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The nervous system disruption caused by the increase in amyloid proteins can affect every biological system in the body. While physiological changes are more apparent in affected individuals, the condition may also disrupt cognitive processes as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of the neurological changes caused by rising levels of amyloid proteins, the patient may find that they start to develop feelings of confusion. Patients may notice that they forget what they were doing and lose their train of thought. They may also find it challenging to focus on tasks and concentrate. These symptoms of nervous system disruption show that the brain is not functioning correctly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient may require rest to recover their mental state<\/a>. In most cases of amyloidosis, these confusion symptoms come and go. Doctors are at a loss to explain the exact reason for the sporadic nature of these symptoms. However, some medical experts believe that its due to changes in amyloid levels in the bloodstream during the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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16. Urine Changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, amyloidosis can cause changes in kidney function. The increase in amyloid in the blood <\/a>may cause the kidneys to start to leak proteins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The overproduction and leaking of protein from the kidneys may also start the onset of urinary problems. As a result, the patient begins to experience frothy urine or darker-colored urine. The frothing appearance of the urine and the darker color may be a sign of blood getting into the urine. If left unmanaged and untreated, the patient may find that they start to develop symptoms of chronic kidney disease (CKD).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with the onset of amyloidosis may also find that they start to urinate less. As the condition progresses, they may also experience a loss in pressure while urinating as well. Some male patients may think this is a prostate issue, but the changes in amyloid levels in the body are responsible for these symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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