Symptoms Linked To Porphyria

Porphyria is the name given to a group of disorders caused by a buildup of porphyrin-producing chemicals in the body. Porphyrins are necessary for hemoglobin to function. This protein, found in the red blood cells, is responsible for carrying oxygen to tissues and binding iron. However, having too-high levels of porphyrins has the potential to cause significant issues. Acute porphyria tends to affect an individual's nervous system, while cutaneous porphyria affects their skin. The symptoms vary widely depending on the kind of porphyria and its severity. Most types of porphyria are passed from a parent to their child through an abnormal gene. The condition doesn't have a cure, but there are lifestyle changes that can help avoid triggering symptoms.

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Constipation Or Diarrhea

When patients have an acute porphyria, one of the common symptoms is constipation or diarrhea. There may also be a number of other digestive issues. Patients might experience severe pain in the abdomen, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms tend to appear quickly and might be severe. After an attack, the symptoms tend to improve slowly over a few days or weeks. The most common type of acute porphyria is acute intermittent porphyria. This type occurs when there is an enzyme deficiency that leads to an excess of porphobilinogen and delta-aminolevulinic acid.

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Muscle Pain And Tingling

Muscle pain and tingling are common symptoms of acute porphyria. The tingling may be a 'pins and needles' feeling similar to what an individual might experience with poor blood circulation. There may also be numbness in the limbs. Muscles may become weak or paralyzed entirely because of the nervous system issues. Neurological muscle weakness is caused when the signals between the brain and muscles are weakened or interrupted. A number of factors might lead to attacks, such as low-calorie diets, alcohol, and medications. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can also play a part. If an individual has other illnesses, infections, or is exposed to organic solvents, they may be more susceptible to an attack.

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