Wilson’s disease – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com
Thursday, August 02, 2018 by Zoey Sky
http://www.naturalpedia.com/wilsons-disease-causes-side-effects-and-treatments-at-naturalpedia-com.html
Wilson’s disease is a rare genetic disorder that prevents a patient’s body from getting rid of excess copper. While a small amount of copper from food is necessary to stay healthy, too much copper is bad for you.
The liver normally releases extra copper into a digestive fluid called bile. However, a patient with Wilson’s disease will experience a copper build up in the liver with the copper being directly released into the bloodstream.
Excess copper in the bloodstream may damage the brain, eyes, and kidneys.
The condition is present at birth, but its symptoms often manifest in patients aged five to 35. Wilson’s disease first targets the liver, the central nervous system, or both.
Known symptoms of Wilson’s disease
The symptoms of Wilson’s disease can vary depending on the affected organ. These symptoms can also be mistaken for other conditions like liver or kidney failure. Wilson’s disease is detected by a healthcare professional via diagnostic testing.
These symptoms can indicate copper accumulation in the liver:
- Appetite loss
- Edema/the swelling of legs and abdomen
- Feeling tired
- Itching
- Jaundice/yellowing of the skin
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Pain/bloating in the abdomen
- Spider angiomas/visible branch-like blood vessels on the skin
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Weight loss
These symptoms may indicate copper accumulation in the brain:
- Abnormal walking
- Depression
- Difficulty grasping objects
- Drooling
- Insomnia
- Memory, speech, or vision impairment
- Migraines
- Mood changes
- Personality changes
The advanced stages of copper accumulation in the brain may include muscle pain during movement, muscle spasms, and seizures.
A healthcare professional will also check for Kayser-Fleischer (K-F) rings and sunflower cataract in the eyes. K-F rings refer to abnormal golden-brown discolorations in the eyes that occur due to deposits of excess copper. at least 97 percent of patients with Wilson’s disease develop K-F rings.
At least one in five patients with the condition can develop sunflower cataracts with a unique multicolored center with spokes that radiate outward.
The buildup of copper in other organs may cause:
- Arthritis
- Bluish discoloration in the nails
- Kidney stones
- Menstrual irregularities
- Premature osteoporosis/lack of bone density
- Low blood pressure
Body systems harmed by Wilson’s disease
Wilson’s disease may cause the following complications if a patient doesn’t receive medical attention:
- Anemia
- Increased susceptibility to bone fractures
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Liver disease, e.g., cirrhosis, hepatitis, or necrosis/tissue death
- Muscle atrophy
- Spleen disorders
- Permanent intellectual disability
- Permanent physical disability
- Death
Food items or nutrients that may prevent Wilson’s disease
If you have Wilson’s disease, strictly limit your intake of foods that contain copper like chocolate, dried beans, dried fruits, mushrooms, nuts, offal (e.g., liver), peas, and shellfish.
You must also avoid alcoholic drinks that can harm your liver. Refrain from drinking tap water that can also contain traces of copper.
An intake of vitamin E supplements can help prevent liver damage.
Treatments, management plans for Wilson’s disease
Treatment for Wilson’s disease aims to remove excess copper in the body and control the symptoms of the condition. Treatment must continue for the rest of a patient’s life because the condition can be fatal if the treatment is stopped.
Treatment options include:
- Chelation therapy – This involves the use of medications, like penicillamine, that bind to copper so ti can be eliminated through urine.
- A liver transplant – May be recommended for severe cases.
- Potassium supplements – These reduce the absorption of dietary copper.
- Vitamin B6 – This strengthens the nervous system.
- Zinc therapy – This prevents the absorption of copper in the small intestine.
Where to learn more
- Are you suffering from copper overload? Bizarre medical case reveals importance of tracking metals in the body
- EssentialOils.news
- Health.news
- NaturalCures.news
- Naturopathy.news
Summary
Wilson’s disease is a rare genetic disorder that prevents a patient’s body from getting rid of excess copper.
Appetite loss, edema, itching, and jaundice can indicate copper accumulation in the liver.
Abnormal walking, depression, drooling, and insomnia may indicate copper accumulation in the brain.
Wilson’s disease may cause complications like anemia, liver disease, muscle atrophy, and spleen disorders.
If you have Wilson’s disease, strictly limit your intake of foods that contain copper like chocolate, dried beans, dried fruits, mushrooms, nuts, offal (e.g., liver), peas, and shellfish.
Treatment for Wilson’s disease aims to remove excess copper in the body and control the symptoms of the condition. Treatment options include chelation therapy, a liver transplant, potassium supplements, vitamin B6, and zinc therapy.
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