What Are the Treatments for Iron Overload?

Iron overload happens when a person's body absorbs too much iron. The iron can build up on the person's tissues and cause chronic problems if left untreated. The most common chronic problem is hemochromatosis, a life-threatening disease.

Hemochromatosis

• Hemochromatosis is the disease that results when the body is experiencing an iron overload. This disease can be passed genetically and nongenetically through blood disorders and too much amount of iron in the body. This disorder interferes with the body's ability to break down iron in the body.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of hemochromatosis and iron overload can include feelings of weakness, weight loss, joint pain, abdominal pain, fatigue and nausea. These symptoms may cease as the disease persists in the body.

Treatment

• One form of treatment for iron overload is phlebotomy. During this treatment, the doctor removes one unit of blood once or twice per week. This process continues until iron levels are back to normal. From there on, the blood is monitored regularly. Another treatment option is to follow a healthy diet. The doctor may recommend you avoid supplements that contain iron such as multivitamins. Foods containing vitamin C are beneficial because this vitamin helps the body absorb excess iron. A large amount of protein and grain foods are also recommended.

Diagnosis

• The symptoms of hemochromatosis may only appear early on in the disease. This is why catching and diagnosing the disease early is essential in preventing life-threatening issues. Hemochromatosis is diagnosed through simple blood tests.

Warning

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible when symptoms begin to arise. Simple blood tests will determine if there is an excess of iron in the body or if there is another health problem.