Various Options For Diagnosing And Treating Hemochromatosis

Chelation

Chelation, used for patients who cannot be treated with phlebotomy, is the use of medication to remove excess iron from the blood. The medication works by binding to iron so it can be released in the urine. Deferoxamine is one of the most commonly used medications for this process. It can be administered intravenously, and patients can choose to receive it at an infusion center. Deferoxamine can also be delivered with a specialized pump that patients wear at night while sleeping. The pump slowly delivers the correct dose over the course of eight hours. Possible side effects from this medication include an orange color in the urine, blurry vision or other visual changes, rash, hives, itching, and diarrhea. Some patients also experience dizziness, low blood pressure, cramps in the legs or stomach, fever, and rapid heartbeat. The long-term use of chelation therapy can lead to hearing loss, cataracts, and damage to the liver or kidneys. Doctors will decide when to begin using these medications after considering a patient's overall health, iron levels, and hemoglobin levels.

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Avoid Iron Supplements

Hemochromatosis patients already have excessive iron in their blood, and as such, they should avoid iron supplements. Taking an iron supplement could raise iron levels to an unsafe level that may require additional treatment and increase the risk of heart, liver, and kidney problems. Additionally, patients with hemochromatosis should not take multivitamins containing iron. They also need to pay rapt attention to their diets to avoid foods with high iron levels, such as red meats like beef, lamb, venison, and buffalo. These foods contain a type of iron known as heme iron that is particularly easy for the body to absorb. Non-heme iron, which is found in fruits, vegetables, and grains, is less easily absorbed. Hemochromatosis patients can safely include these foods in their diet, but they may wish to do so in limited quantities. Planning an appropriate diet can be difficult for patients with this disorder. Several hemochromatosis-friendly cookbooks are available to help, and patients may also benefit from having a consultation with a nutritionist.

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