What organs are affected by porphyria?
Porphyria occurs when the body cannot convert compounds called ‘porphyrins’ into heme. While all tissues have heme, those that use it the most are the red blood cells, liver and bone marrow. Porphyria can affect the skin, nervous system and gastrointestinal system. More women than men are affected by porphyria.
What is the rarest form of porphyria?
Congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP), also known as Günther disease, is the rarest type of porphyria. Most often seen in infancy, it is characterized by severe light sensitivity and subsequent infections that can lead to the loss of fingers and facial features.
Why does porphyria cause abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is by far the most serious symptom in attacks of acute intermittent porphyria. Its cause is unknown. This case study suggests visceral ischaemia as a possible cause of the abdominal pain.
Does porphyria cause fatigue?
People who have acute porphyrias commonly suffer fatigue. This may be due to symptoms affecting muscles and joints (such as pain, numbness and weakness) and the sleep disturbance this may cause. In some cases the effects of medication used to control symptoms may contribute to bouts of tiredness.
What are the telltale signs of lupus?
One of the telltale signs of lupus is breaking out in a rash after spending time in the sun. The rash appears whether or not you used sunscreen and whether or not you got a sunburn. 3. Your joints are painful and swollen
Can lupus cause shortness of breath with pleurisy?
Pleuritis. You may also experience shortness of breath. Sometimes an abnormal amount of fluid will build up in the space between your lungs and your chest wall; when it leaks out it is called a pleural effusion. Pain from pleurisy, with or without effusions, is found in 40 to 60 percent of people with lupus.
What are the complications of Lupus in the liver?
Liver complications. Your liver also makes bile, a yellowish-green liquid that helps with digestion. When lupus causes inflammation in the liver, a condition called hepatic vasculitis can occur. This can cause blood clots in the vessels that supply the liver with blood.
What does a lupus rash look like on your face?
Lupus facial rash. Lupus facial rash A typical sign of lupus is a red, butterfly-shaped rash over your cheeks and nose, often following exposure to sunlight.
