{"id":5703,"date":"2019-04-22T14:05:41","date_gmt":"2019-04-22T14:05:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=5703"},"modified":"2021-06-04T01:33:51","modified_gmt":"2021-06-04T01:33:51","slug":"14-symptoms-of-wilsons-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-symptoms-of-wilsons-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Symptoms of Wilson\u2019s Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Wilson\u2019s disease is a rare disease that is usually heredity and tends to show its symptoms when the sufferers are young, between 5 and 20. It is caused by the buildup of copper on the organs, such as the liver and the brain. Copper, in addition to being a metal, is an important mineral for the body. It can encourage healthy nerves, bones, and skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Excessive copper is usually gotten rid of through the liver, but in the case of Wilson\u2019s disease, the copper cannot leave the system, but builds up. The disease is potentially deadly if it is not diagnosed early and can affect the heart, brain and neurological system. However, if someone is diagnosed and treated early on, they can carry on a normal life with the disease The symptoms include jaundice, neurological problems, irregular movement, fatigue, fluid buildup, and anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Yellowing of the Skin or Jaundice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your skin is yellow or golden colored, you may be suffering from jaundice<\/a>. This condition is often the result of liver damage caused by drinking or other reasons, but it is also a symptom of Wilson\u2019s disease when copper deposits build up on the liver. You may notice that the eyes become discolored and body fluids may have a yellow tinge as well. The majority of infants have jaundice in their first weeks of life, but this usually goes away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If jaundice continues, the underlying cause could be Wilson\u2019s disease. Often this ailment is not diagnosed until the age of 5, so it may not be so clear whether jaundice in an infant could be the result of Wilson\u2019s disease. Jaundice occurs when waste material builds up in the blood, and in the case of Wilson\u2019s disease, this buildup is caused by an excess of copper in the liver.
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2. Fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The liver\u2019s function is to break down fats and help the body use energy. Naturally, any live dysfunction would have as one of its symptoms fatigue <\/a>and tiredness. In addition, the liver functions as a kind of filter that can keep toxins out of the body. When there is excessive copper in the liver, it can no longer function properly. In addition, the copper deposits may increase waste material in the blood, and this can make you feel tired more easily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fatigue, of course, does not necessarily indicate Wilson’s disease on its own but is often combined with other symptoms, such as jaundice and neurological problems. Treatments for Wilson\u2019s disease may alleviate many of your symptoms, including fatigue. In the meantime, it is a good idea to eat a healthy diet, get enough rest and mild exercise. Avoid stimulants, which can lead to dependency and can make you feel tired later on.
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3. Abdominal Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Abdominal pain is one of the early signs of Wilson\u2019s disease and can be the result of a variety of malfunctions caused by the disease. Since the liver\u2019s main function is to digest fats, any damage to the liver may cause indigestion <\/a>and gastrointestinal problems. The abdominal pain may not begin in the stomach but actually be discomfort in the liver, since it has a buildup of copper. In addition, another symptom of Wilson’s disease is swelling of the stomach and the legs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abdominal pain with Wilson\u2019s disease can be caused by any of the above reasons or additional causes. If you are suffering from abdominal pain and have Wilson\u2019s disease, you can alleviate your symptoms with stomach pain medication provided that it doesn\u2019t interfere with any medications you are taking for Wilson\u2019s disease. As the disease progresses, there may be bleeding in the gut that may cause spitting up blood and other problems.
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4. Fluid Buildup in the Leg
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If you suddenly discover swelling in your legs and abdomen, that may be a sign that there is serious inflammation <\/a>going on in the body. Wilson\u2019s disease is just one disorder that can lead to this kind of inflammation and swelling. Swelling in the legs is often referred to as peripheral edema and can be caused by a malfunctioning of the lymphatic system and kidneys as well as the liver. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wilson\u2019s disease involves a buildup of copper in the liver, which can lead to the kind of inflammation that causes swelling in the legs. Your medication of Wilson\u2019s disease may help you with symptoms such as edema, but in the meantime, apply ice packs to your legs, elevate them, and get plenty of rest. If you find it difficult to walk, contact your doctor to see if you need some additional treatment to deal with the severity of the symptoms.
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5. Problems with Speech<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Problems with speech signal neurological problems that are the chief reason people seek the kind of medical help that can lead to a diagnosis of Wilson\u2019s disease<\/a>. Half of the patients with Wilson\u2019s disease experience some neurological problems, such as difficulty speaking, moving and uncontrollable tremors. Some may compare the difficulty with speech with signs of a stroke, but usually, those who are diagnosed with Wilson\u2019s disease are too young to have a major risk of stroke. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is common that young people who exhibit erratic behavior and have difficulty speaking may be diagnosed with other problems at first before it is discovered that they have Wilson\u2019s disease. If the disease is left untreated and undiagnosed, it is likely to become worse with time. Regular treatments for Wilson\u2019s disease may alleviate some of the symptoms, or you may need specific medication of neurological problems.
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6. Issues with Movement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In addition to problems with speech, those with Wilson\u2019s disease may exhibit erratic movement, such as uncontrollable tremors<\/a>. The buildup of copper in the body can lead to numerous problems, including neurological irregularities. In addition, you may experience muscle spasms and restlessness. Before children are diagnosed with Wilson\u2019s disease, they may be assumed to be hyperactive until the underlying cause is discovered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A child may not be able to sit still in his chair at school or be prone to sudden outbursts. The reality is that there are many toxins building up in his body as a result of excessive copper buildup in the liver. As a result, your nervous system can be affected and you may lose control over your movements. The regular medication for Wilson\u2019s disease may ease some neurological problems, or your doctor may suggest seeing a neurologist about dealing with these symptoms.
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7. Eye Discoloration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Eye discoloration goes along with jaundice, or discoloration of the skin, as the most telltale signs of Wilson\u2019s disease. The eyes and the skin become discolored because waste builds up in the blood and makes it difficult for the body to flush out toxins <\/a>as it should. Although eye discoloration caused by jaundice may have a certain appearance, brownish rings on the cornea or Kayser-Fleischer rings are usually associated specifically with Wilson\u2019s disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The color can be golden or greenish-brown and the rings are located in the periphery of the corneal membrane. These rings in the eyes are the result of copper deposits in the body. Therapy used on those with Wilson\u2019s disease, such as copper chelation therapy, can diminish the rings and enable them to disappear over a period of time. Your doctor may also suggest dietary changes that can help ease symptoms of Wilson\u2019s disease and specifically the rings in the eyes.
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8. Muscle Stiffness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Instead of uncontrollable muscle movements and tremors, you may, on the contrary, find it difficult to move normally. The stiffness could be the result of swelling or edema that is the result of inflammation, but if it is actually in the muscle, the root of the problem could be neurological. Muscle stiffness<\/a> can be accompanied by slurred speech, anxiety, depression and other difficulties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The buildup of toxins involved in Wilson\u2019s disease can lead to a number of neurological problems and may have many different manifestations. The symptoms may become less severe as you take general treatment for Wilson\u2019s disease, but it may be a good idea to seek the aid of a neurologist for effective solutions on how to deal with many of your symptoms, such as muscle stiffness. If the problem is left undiagnosed and untreated, muscle stiffness may grow worse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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