K.N.O.W. Home Health - AMYLOIDOSIS

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AMYLOIDOSIS

What is Amyloidosis?

Amyloidosis is a sickness where abnormal protein called amyloids build up in different parts of the body.

These proteins can damage organs and tissues, making it hard for them to work properly.

It can affect the heart, kidneys, liver, nerves and other organs in the body.

What causes Amyloidosis?

There are different types and causes of this disease:

Some types of genetic, passed down through families. Some types happen due to other diseases, like multiple myeloma.

Some types are idiopathic meaning there are no causes that are identified.

Can Amyloidosis be prevented?

For most types, there is no way to prevent amyloidosis.

If it's linked to another disease like multiple myeloma, treating the disease may help reduce the risk of Amyloidosis.

Healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, not smoking, and managing other health conditions can help keep your body stronger.

What are the signs of amyloidosis?

Because it can affect organs, symptoms can vary. Some possible symptoms are as follows:

Feeling very tired or weak

Shortness of breath

Swelling in legs feet or in the stomach.

Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

Weight loss without trying to lose weight

Diarrhea or constipation

Bruising easy especially around the eyeseyes

When to call your home health care agency:

If you notice:

Increase swelling and legs, feet or belly

Feeling more short of breath than usual

Feeling more tired or weak

Changes in how much you urinate or if your urine is foamy

New or worsening numbness and tingling in your hands or feet

Sudden weight loss without trying

New bruising, or mild bleeding

When to call 911:

If you notice:

If you have severe chest pain

You feel that you cannot breathe or are gasping for air.

You passed out or cannot stay awake

You have severe swelling in your face, throat making it hard to breathe

You have severe weakness and cannot stand up safely

Key Points

Emma deuces happens when abnormal proteins build up in the body

It can damage the heart, kidneys, liver, nerves and other organs.

There is no prevention for most types of amyloidosis, but treating related diseases helps.

Call your home health care agency or doctor if you have worsening symptoms.

Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, severe weakness.

Patient Homework/Assessment

Write the letter "T" is statement is true and "F" if the statement is false.

1.______Amylordosis is caused by abnormal proteins called amyloids building up in the body.

2.______amyloidosis often affects the heart.

3.______amyloidosis can damage organs and tissues.

4.______some types of amyloidosis are passed down in families.

5.______there is a clear way to prevent all types of amyloidosis.

6._____treating diseases like multiple myeloma can help reduce the risk of some types of amyloidosis.

7._____eating a balanced diet and not smoking can keep your body stronger when you have amyloidosis.

8._____feeling very tired or weak can be a symptom of amyloidosis.

9._____amyloidosis can cause shortness of breath.

10._____swelling in the legs, feet, OR stomach is not related to amyloidosis.

11._____numbness or tingling in hands or feet can be a symptom of amyloidosis.

12._____unexplained weight loss can be a sign of amyloidosis

13._____bruising easily, especially around the eyes, can happen with amyloidosis.

15._____if you feel more tired and weak than usual you should ignore it.

16._____changes in how much you urinate or foamy urine should be reported to your home health nurse or doctor.

17._____you should call 911 if you have troubles breathing or are gasping for air.

18._____severe chest pain is a reason to go to the emergency room.

19._____passing out or not being able to stay awake is an emergency.

20._____amyloidosis can damage the heart kidneys liver and nerves.