What is hemochromatosis?
Hemochromatosis is the buildup of too much iron in the body. Primary hemochromatosis, the focus of this article, is an inherited tendency to absorb too much iron in the gastrointestinal tract. The excess iron builds up in the body, especially in the liver, which causes the liver to swell and interferes with its function. Iron overload, sometimes referred to as secondary hemochromatosis, is... Read more about hemochromatosis introduction
What causes hemochromatosis?
Hemochromatosis is a buildup of too much iron in the body. This is caused by an inherited tendency to absorb too much iron in the gastrointestinal tract. A defect in a gene known as HFE has been identified in people with hereditary hemochromatosis.... Read more about hemochromatosis causes
How is hemochromatosis treated?
The main treatment for hemochromatosis is to remove the body’s excess iron by having a certain amount of your blood drawn out, just as if you were making a blood donation (phlebotomy). The severity of your condition will determine how much is removed, but on average a pint of blood might be taken once or twice a week for anywhere from several months to a year, and sometimes longer. Blood tests will be taken periodically to measure your blood’s iron levels.... Read more about hemochromatosis treatments
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