Serious Symptoms Of Hemochromatosis

Joint Pain

Hemochromatosis can cause joint pain because it damages the joints over time and can lead to arthritis. In addition to pain, the patient may have joint stiffness and may have a low range of motion in some areas. When joint pain and stiffness are among the first symptoms of hemochromatosis, it can be difficult to diagnose the disease correctly. Many doctors will not think of hemochromatosis first; rather, they may test for several forms of arthritis unrelated to hemochromatosis.

There are over one hundred forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Several autoimmune diseases, including lupus, also cause pain in the joints. Furthermore, hemochromatosis is a very uncommon disease. Therefore, it may take a while to get diagnosed with hemochromatosis if it starts off with only joint problems.

Liver Failure

Liver failure, another major symptom of hemochromatosis, can lead to death and requires emergency treatment. However, it is often difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are a little bit vague. Liver failure symptoms include feeling nauseous, being tired, having diarrhea, and a loss of appetite. Cirrhosis of the liver and liver enlargement often precede liver failure. When someone is diagnosed with hemochromatosis and the doctor suspects liver damage, the doctor will usually order multiple tests, including blood tests and a biopsy of the liver.