Metabolic Disorders
The body’s ability to use energy is affected by metabolic disorders. Metabolic disorders can affect anyone at any age. Weight gain, diabetes and heart disease are some of the common symptoms associated with metabolic disorders.
Genetics and lifestyle can cause metabolic disorders. The treatment of these disorders is dependent on the condition but usually includes medication and dietary changes.
Inherited metabolic diseases are rare disorders that are passed on through families. These diseases are serious and often life-threatening. These disorders can affect how the body uses food and energy. There are many different types of metabolic disorders that can be inherited, including:
Gaucher’s disease: This rare genetic disorder affects the body’s ability to breakdown fatty acids. Gaucher disease can cause problems in the bones, livers, spleens, and nervous systems. Type 1 Gaucher disease affects approximately one in 40,000 people. Type 1 Gaucher disease symptoms usually begin in childhood. They include anemia and easy bruising. This disease has no cure, but there are treatments to manage its symptoms.
HemochromatosisHemochromatosis causes the body’s iron levels to be too high. This can cause damage to the heart, liver and other organs. Hemochromatosis symptoms include fatigue, joint and abdominal pain, as well as weight loss. Hemochromatosis can be treated by removing the blood in order to reduce the iron levels.
Wilson’s disease: This is a rare inherited disorder in which too much copper accumulates in the body. The symptoms can include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss in appetite, jaundice, a yellowing of skin and eyes, swelling of the ankles or feet, confusion, and mood swings. Wilson disease is usually a liver and brain disorder. It can also affect copper-carrying blood proteins called ceruloplasmin or albumin.
Tay Sachs disease: Tay Sachs disease is a condition in which a fatty substance known as GM2 ganglioside builds up within the nerve cells that line the brain and the spinal cord. The cells are eventually destroyed by this accumulation.
Tay-Sachs symptoms usually begin to appear in the first year. Initially, the baby may appear normal, but over time, he or she will lose certain skills, such as sitting up, crawling, and turning. Hearing and vision problems may also affect the child. The baby will become floppy as the disease progresses and have difficulty swallowing. Infection or heart failure will ultimately cause death. This disorder is incurable and no treatment can reverse its effects.
Lysosomal Storage Disorders: This disorder occurs when the body cannot break down certain molecules. This can cause toxins to build up in the body, which can harm cells and organs.
Metabolic Acidosis: When there is excessive acid in body fluids, this disorder occurs. This can cause problems with the heart, kidneys, or breathing.
It is vital to consult a physician for diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you have a metabolic disorder. Early diagnosis and treatment may help to prevent future health issues.
