Amyloid is an abnormal version of a protein normally produced by the body.
It is not easily broken down.
Amyloidosis has no cure and, without treatment, can lead to organ failure.
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Fortunately, the condition is treatable, and its symptoms and amyloid production can be managed.
This article explains what amyloidosis is, including symptoms, causes, types, and more.
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What Is Amyloidosis?
When the normal proteins finish their assigned jobs, they leave the bloodstream.
But with amyloidosis, they misfold, take on abnormal shapes, and get deposited into the organs.
Localized amyloidosis will affect one organ or only one area of the body.
Amyloidosis Symptoms
Thesymptoms of amyloidosisstart subtly and will vary depending on where amyloid proteins collect.
It is also possible to not have any symptoms at all, especially early on.
What Causes Amyloidosis?
It is sometimes secondary to another health condition or can develop as a primary condition.
Amyloidosis can also occur in people onlong-term dialysis.
Sometimes, it is due to agene mutation, but other times, the cause is unknown.
Gene abnormalities linked to amyloidosis are present at birth and associated with an increased risk for the condition.
That means there is nothing a person can do to prevent amyloidosis.
Some types are life-threatening, while others cause less harm.
Normal plasma cells (a key in ofbone marrow cell) produce antibodies (proteins that fight infections).
Amyloid proteins will circulate in the bloodstream and deposit throughout the body.
This bang out of amyloidosis affects the kidneys about 80% of the time.
People withrheumatoid arthritis(RA) andinflammatory bowel disease(IBD) have the highest risk for secondary amyloidosis.
This protein normally transports thyroid hormone (thyroxine) and retinol (vitamin A) to the liver.
Your healthcare provider will start with a physical exam.
Laboratory tests and imaging can help make an amyloidosis diagnosis.
Aprotein electrophoresis testis sometimes done in combination with the IHC test.
The protein electrophoresis test can detect most amyloidosis conditions.
Treatment can vary based on the jot down of amyloidosis and symptoms.
In this case, symptoms ease wheninflammationgoes down.
Once they have high-dose chemotherapy, the stem cells are returned to populate the bone marrow.
Complications Associated With Amyloidosis
Treatment for amyloidosis can decrease symptoms and prevent disease-related complications.
Certain risk factors can predispose a person to amyloidosis.
Life expectancy can vary based on the pop in of amyloidosis and how successful the treatment might be.
Some types are life-threatening or fatal, while others are easily treatable.
Early treatment can also reverse amyloid deposits and prevent kidney damage.
The specific genetic mutations linked to ATTR amyloidosis improve or worsen disease outcomes and life expectancy.
People with wild-jot down ATTR generally have better outcomes than they would with AL amyloidosis and ATTR amyloidosis.
Your outlook is likely to be different than someone else’s.
They are best positioned to help you understand your unique health situation.
Summary
Amyloidosis is a disease that causes abnormal amyloid protein buildup.
Amyloid build-up can be dangerous and lead to organ damage and failure if left untreated.
While the condition cannot be cured, symptoms cannot be treated and well-managed.
Each is unique in how it is diagnosed and treated.
Further, some types have less favorable outcomes than others.
Even so, it is still possible for treatment outcomes to be positive.
Your doctor can best address your concerns about treatment options or your outlook.
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