What are the symptoms of AL Amyloidosis?
1. Symptoms related to the heart (Cardiac Amyloidosis): In cases where amyloid proteins accumulate in the heart, it can result in cardiac amyloidosis. The heart may struggle to function properly, causing individuals to experience fatigue or shortness of breath. Irregular heartbeats and swelling in the legs and ankles might also be observed.
2. Symptoms related to the kidneys (Renal Amyloidosis): When the kidneys are affected by the build-up of amyloid proteins, their ability to filter blood can be compromised. This can lead to protein leakage into the urine, causing swelling in the legs and ankles. Over time, this might progress to kidney failure, manifesting as symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, or general weakness.
3. Symptoms related to the nervous system: If amyloid proteins impact the nerves, individuals may experience numbness, tingling, or pain in their fingers and toes, a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. If the autonomic nerves controlling blood pressure are affected, one might experience lightheadedness or even fainting upon standing.
4. Symptoms related to the gastrointestinal tract: If the digestive system is affected, individuals may experience a loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, or constipation.
2. Symptoms related to the kidneys (Renal Amyloidosis): When the kidneys are affected by the build-up of amyloid proteins, their ability to filter blood can be compromised. This can lead to protein leakage into the urine, causing swelling in the legs and ankles. Over time, this might progress to kidney failure, manifesting as symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, or general weakness.
3. Symptoms related to the nervous system: If amyloid proteins impact the nerves, individuals may experience numbness, tingling, or pain in their fingers and toes, a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. If the autonomic nerves controlling blood pressure are affected, one might experience lightheadedness or even fainting upon standing.
4. Symptoms related to the gastrointestinal tract: If the digestive system is affected, individuals may experience a loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, or constipation.
5. Symptoms related to the liver: Amyloidosis in the liver may cause the organ to enlarge, leading to a feeling of fullness or discomfort in the upper abdomen.
6. Symptoms related to soft tissues: Amyloid deposits can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or an enlarged tongue, which can cause difficulty swallowing or breathing.
7. Symptoms related to the skin: Individuals may notice changes in their skin, such as easy bruising or purplish patches around the eyes.
It's important to note that these symptoms can be associated with many other conditions as well, so their presence does not definitively indicate AL amyloidosis. However, persistent or worsening symptoms should prompt a medical consultation. A doctor can perform tests to ascertain the cause of the symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
6. Symptoms related to soft tissues: Amyloid deposits can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or an enlarged tongue, which can cause difficulty swallowing or breathing.
7. Symptoms related to the skin: Individuals may notice changes in their skin, such as easy bruising or purplish patches around the eyes.
It's important to note that these symptoms can be associated with many other conditions as well, so their presence does not definitively indicate AL amyloidosis. However, persistent or worsening symptoms should prompt a medical consultation. A doctor can perform tests to ascertain the cause of the symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
