Hemosiderosis is a rare condition where there is too much iron in certain organs, commonly the lungs, causing damage and bleeding. It can be caused by autoimmune disorders, chronic bronchitis, and exposure to environmental toxins. Treatment includes medication, oxygen therapy, and steroids.
Hemosiderosis is a rare condition in which there is too much iron in certain organs, most commonly the lungs. A person with a mild form of the disorder may never experience symptoms, although significant iron overload can cause serious damage to the lungs, kidneys, and other major organs. The biggest concern associated with hemosiderosis is the possibility of excessive bleeding in the lungs, which can lead to anemia, breathing problems, and heart complications. Doctors treat acute problems with medications and oxygen therapy and attempt to control chronic conditions with steroids that suppress the immune system.
Hemosiderin is a blood protein that forms when red blood cells break down. Protein stores a small amount of iron to supply body tissues and keep iron levels in the body stable. If excessive bleeding occurs in a lung, the red blood cells that build up within the organ can create huge amounts of the hemosiderin protein. Several health problems can lead to pulmonary hemorrhage and hemosiderosis, especially inflammatory autoimmune disorders, chronic bronchitis, and exposure to environmental toxins and molds. Many cases of infantile hemosiderosis are idiopathic, meaning doctors are unable to identify a true underlying cause.
The most common symptoms of acute hemosiderosis include coughing up blood, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and dizziness. A person experiencing severe bleeding may turn pale and possibly lose consciousness. The heartbeat may initially speed up, but then slow down to a dangerous level. If hemosiderosis becomes a frequent or chronic problem, a person may experience symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, such as extreme fatigue, severe headaches, and irritability.
A specialist can diagnose hemosiderosis by asking about symptoms and medical history and by checking blood samples for signs of anemia. Chest X-rays and computed tomography are done to look for active lung bleeding and sections of scar tissue where bleeding has occurred in the past. Depending on the severity of symptoms, a patient may be hospitalized immediately or scheduled for a follow-up visit after receiving a diagnosis.
Hemosiderosis causing severe complications may require oxygen therapy and clinical procedures to stabilize the heart. A patient may need to take medications to stabilize blood pressure and chelating drugs that remove iron from the body. A blood transfusion may be needed if a huge amount of blood has been lost. In order to reduce the chances of lung bleeding in the future, patients usually have to take immunosuppressant steroids such as prednisone for several months or years. When an underlying cause is found, it is treated accordingly.
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