Haemochromatosis is a hereditary disease. This disease causes the body to absorb and store too much iron. The extra iron builds up in organs and damages them. The person suffering with hemochromatosis absorbs more iron than the body needs. The body has no natural way to rid itself of the excess iron, so it is stored in body tissues, especially the liver, heart, and pancreas.

Causes of Hemochromatosis

Hereditary hemochromatosis is mainly associated with a defect in a gene called HFE, which helps regulate the amount of iron absorbed from food.

Symptoms of Hemochromatosis

1. Malaise
2. Damage to the pancreas, possibly causing diabetes
3. Liver cirrhosis
4. Abdominal Pain
5. Insulin resistance
6. Early menopause
7. Thyroid deficiency
8. Damage to the adrenal gland

Diagnosis of Hemochromatosis

1. Blood tests can determine whether the amount of iron stored in the body is too high.
2. Liver Biopsy
3. Genetic Testing

Hemochromatosis Complications

Untreated Hemochromatosis can lead to many complications like
1. Cirrhosis
2. Heart Failure
3. Liver Cancer
4. Diabetes

Treatment of Hemochromatosis

1. The primary treatment of hemochromatosis includes removal of excess of iron from the body. This is done by removing blood from the body as if you are donating blood.
2. Limiting alcohol intake, red meat (which is high in iron).
3. Increasing intake of substances that inhibit iron absorption