{"id":9359,"date":"2019-08-18T09:54:59","date_gmt":"2019-08-18T09:54:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=9359"},"modified":"2021-06-21T19:41:03","modified_gmt":"2021-06-21T19:41:03","slug":"16-known-symptoms-of-amyloidosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/16-known-symptoms-of-amyloidosis\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Known Symptoms of Amyloidosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Amyloidosis is a health condition affecting the way proteins travel in the body, and in people who have amyloidosis, the body\u2019s tissue can become populated by proteins that aren\u2019t supposed to be there; this can provoke a severe immunity response in the rest of the body, and can have many symptoms associated with it that you should look out for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no cure for amyloidosis, but there are many ways to treat the symptoms individually that can ensure life with the condition is easier to live with. If you suspect that you might experience any of the symptoms that are associated with amyloidosis, make an appointment with a medical professional who can have the proper tests ordered to establish an amyloidosis diagnosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a serious condition, and it\u2019s diagnosed in a few million people across the world every year. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned here, you could be one of them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 8 known symptoms of amyloidosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Swelling of the Extremities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Swelling <\/a>of the hands and feet is a symptom that can commonly be experienced if you have amyloidosis, and definitely warrants being tested for the condition if you are experiencing this together with any of the other symptoms that are mentioned on this list.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are some other health conditions which can cause the same symptom, including diabetes which often causes circulation issues \u2013 but the two conditions are truly worlds apart in terms of cause, diagnosis, and treatment. It can be dangerous to assume that you have a condition without being officially tested for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why it\u2019s vital to see your doctor for the proper tests: This way you can be sure that you can follow the treatment for the right condition. If you suspect that it\u2019s amyloidosis, mention this possibility to your doctor in order to aid in the diagnosis of the condition \u2013 and mention any experienced symptoms to your doctor during the appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Unexplained Organ Swelling<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Organ swelling is a symptom that might not appear obvious from the outside, and it\u2019s something that people will likely miss as a symptom in themselves until they\u2019ve made a visit to the doctor for the proper tests. Even though swelling of the organs might only appear as outward swelling later on, pain and discomfort can be one of the earlier symptoms \u2013 and should always mean you see your doctor track down the cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cases of amyloidosis<\/a> see proteins lodged in tissues \u2013 and this can happen anywhere in the body, although most commonly attach to the body\u2019s main organs. This is part of what causes the associated swelling, and this symptom can be one that proves to be fatal if it\u2019s left undiagnosed and untreated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See your doctor if you experience any pain and discomfort. If you experience any other symptoms mentioned on this list, consider them serious potential warning signs for amyloidosis or possible related conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Changes in Bruising Type or Frequency<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Any changes in the way the body bruises <\/a>should be taken as a sign of something serious, and can usually signal problems with kidneys, bleeding, clotting and sometimes the heart; if it\u2019s experienced with any other symptoms such as an increased frequency to bruise, bleeding more often, slowed healing time or any of the symptoms on this list, then it can present as serious warning signs for amyloidosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Care should be taken where any increased bruising frequency or changes in the type, shape or appearance of bruises is noticed; in some cases, the bruising might even appear to come from nowhere and with no seeming cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Establishing whether or not it\u2019s due to amyloidosis is as simple as seeing your doctor for the necessary tests. It takes simple noninvasive tests to establish whether or not you have amyloidosis, and it can be crucial for your health to know \u2013 make that appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Frequent Diarrhea<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Everyone gets an upset stomach every once in a while, and this is usually because of something you ate that upset your stomach for a day or so \u2013 but this is temporary and usually nothing to worry about; but when diarrhea <\/a>turns into either something that lasts more than a day or something that happens every other day, then it\u2019s time to see a doctor.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People don\u2019t realize just how dangerous diarrhea can be as a symptom: It can leave you dehydrated and deplete your body of its most essential minerals in just a few hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you experience frequent diarrhea together with any of the other symptoms mentioned on this list, see your doctor and ask to be tested for amyloidosis \u2013 especially in cases where your symptoms are combined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The symptom can be treated with just a few adaptations and the right medication \u2013 but can be fatal if it\u2019s left to run its course when a chronic condition is the cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Blood in Stool<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Blood seen in stool might be one of the most terrifying of symptoms, but it\u2019s not always as serious as most people think; sometimes it\u2019s a mistaken case of adding something with colorant to your diet and forgetting about it until you go to the bathroom again \u2013 other times it can be perforations in the colon or anus causing minor bleeding<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An occasional minor amount of blood in stool might happen once and be ignored or forgotten, but once it happens again, it becomes something far more serious that will likely need medical intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can go together with diarrhea but sometimes might go together with constipation instead. Never take one singular symptom as a definite sign. Instead, see your doctor and remember to mention as many of the experienced symptoms as you can in order to make their job of a proper diagnosis a lot easier for your doctor. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Generalized Discomfort<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

General discomfort <\/a>is a symptom that can be associated with a whole range of different illnesses and infections, and amyloidosis could be what you\u2019re suffering from if you were to experience several of the symptoms that are mentioned in this article at the same time with one another. Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any general pain or discomfort \u2013 especially when it\u2019s something that you have suffered from for a long time, or when it\u2019s particularly severe or long-lasting.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amyloidosis can progress, and it can become a lot worse if the symptoms aren\u2019t treated. Never ignore any symptom that recurs or lasts for a long time \u2013 even if you can\u2019t tie it to any other symptoms, although especially where any other related symptoms are experienced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the proteins associated with amyloidosis land in parts of the body where they shouldn\u2019t be, the discomfort and pain often become worse \u2013 especially when you wait. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Chronic Fatigue<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chronic fatigue<\/a> is a little different than simply being tired; if you have chronic fatigue, then you\u2019ll notice that you often remain tired no matter what you do or how much sleep you get \u2013 and it may not have insomnia associated as a symptom at all. If you have any type of chronic fatigue, there\u2019s usually something causing it. In some cases, it can be attributed to stress or a reduced immune system \u2013 but where not, it might be a warning sign of amyloidosis.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider it potentially signaling a condition like amyloidosis where you can point to any more related symptoms that appear on this list; also consider yourself more at risk if there\u2019s an existing family history of the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, chronic fatigue can be treated symptomatically \u2013 and it\u2019s possible to live with a diagnosis of amyloidosis as long as the condition is managed properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Enlargement of the Tongue<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Physical enlargement of the tongue is one of the most serious symptoms associated with amyloidosis, and it\u2019s likely to happen in more advanced cases of the condition \u2013 sometimes where earlier symptoms of the disease were already present long before the more advanced symptoms of the condition have started to show. Any enlargement of the tongue should be taken as a very serious symptom even where it isn\u2019t caused by amyloidosis<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes enlargement of the tongue that happens suddenly can be due to a range of other causes such as allergies \u2013 and it still remains a very serious symptom in these cases, and will require medical attention immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But when mixed with any other potential symptoms that you might have amyloidosis, it definitely means that you should see your doctor \u2013 and usually sooner is better than later, especially when a medical condition as serious as amyloidosis is what we\u2019re talking about.<\/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<\/a>.\u00a0<\/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. Occasionally, people with amyloidosis may experience the onset of constipation symptoms as well, although diarrhea is more common. <\/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 symptoms. When a person has severe diarrhea, it removes vital fluids, minerals, and electrolytes<\/a> 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 <\/a>on the organs. The kidneys may start to leak proteins, resulting in symptoms of discomfort 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 <\/a>that control blood pressure experience disruption as a result of the condition, the patient may start to experience problems with balance. 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 <\/a>is not functioning correctly.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient may require rest to recover their mental state. 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 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<\/a>. 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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