Understanding Amyloidosis: Symptoms and Causes
Understand what amyloidosis is, including its types, symptoms, causes, how it’s diagnosed, effective management options, and essential lifestyle and dietary tips to support better health.
Written by Dr. Mohammed Kamran
Reviewed by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai MBBS
Last updated on 28th Aug, 2025
Introduction
Amyloidosis is a rare but serious health condition that occurs when an abnormal protein called amyloid builds up in your organs and tissues. This buildup can interfere with their normal function and lead to various health problems. While amyloidosis is not very common, understanding its symptoms and causes can help in early detection and better management of the condition.
What is Amyloidosis?
Amyloidosis happens when your body produces too much of a specific protein that your organs can’t break down. Instead of being recycled or removed, these proteins form clumps called amyloid deposits, which accumulate in different parts of the body, such as the heart, kidneys, liver, nerves, or digestive system. Over time, these deposits can damage organs and affect their ability to work properly.
Consult a Haematologist for the best advice
Types of Amyloidosis
There are several types of amyloidosis, but the most common ones include:
1. AL Amyloidosis (Primary Amyloidosis) – This occurs when the bone marrow produces abnormal antibodies that can’t be broken down. It often affects the heart, kidneys, liver, and nerves.
2. AA Amyloidosis (Secondary Amyloidosis) – This type is linked to chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or infections. It usually affects the kidneys, liver, and spleen.
3. Hereditary Amyloidosis (Familial Amyloidosis) – This is a rare inherited form that often impacts the nerves, heart, and kidneys.
4. Wild-Type ATTR Amyloidosis – This type mainly affects older adults, particularly men, and often involves the heart.
Common Symptoms of Amyloidosis
The symptoms of amyloidosis depend on which organs are affected. Some common signs include:
- General Symptoms
- Fatigue and weakness
- Unintentional weight loss
- Swelling in the legs or ankles (edema)
- Shortness of breath
Organ-Specific Symptoms
- Heart: Irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or heart failure symptoms like swelling and breathlessness.
- Kidneys: Foamy urine (due to protein leakage), swelling in legs, or high blood pressure.
- Liver: Enlarged liver, abdominal swelling, or discomfort.
- Nervous System: Numbness, tingling, or pain in hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy).
- Digestive System: Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling full quickly after eating.
Since these symptoms can mimic other conditions, it’s important to consult a doctor if you experience persistent or unexplained health issues.
What Causes Amyloidosis?
The exact cause depends on the type of amyloidosis:
- AL Amyloidosis: Caused by abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow producing misfolded proteins.
- AA Amyloidosis: Results from long-term inflammatory diseases or chronic infections.
- Hereditary Amyloidosis: Passed down through families due to genetic mutations.
- Wild-Type ATTR Amyloidosis: Occurs due to aging, where normal proteins misfold and accumulate.
How is Amyloidosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing amyloidosis can be challenging because symptoms vary widely. Doctors may use:
- Blood and urine tests to check for abnormal protein levels.
- Biopsies (taking a small tissue sample) from affected organs.
- Imaging tests (like echocardiograms or MRIs) to see organ damage.
- Genetic testing if hereditary amyloidosis is suspected.
If you have symptoms that concern you, booking a consultation with a specialist can help in early detection and treatment.
Managing Amyloidosis
While there is no cure for amyloidosis, treatments focus on reducing amyloid production and managing symptoms. Depending on the type, treatment may include:
- Medications to slow protein buildup (e.g., chemotherapy for AL amyloidosis).
- Anti-inflammatory drugs for AA amyloidosis.
- Organ-specific treatments (like dialysis for kidney damage).
- Lifestyle changes to support overall health.
Lifestyle and Dietary Tips
Lifestyle and dietary choices to support better management of amyloidosis:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet (low salt, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables).
- Stay hydrated to help kidney function.
- Exercise gently (as tolerated) to maintain strength.
- Monitor symptoms and follow up regularly with your doctor.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience persistent fatigue, swelling, unexplained weight loss, or organ-related symptoms, consult a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes.
Conclusion
Amyloidosis is a complex condition, but understanding its symptoms and causes can help in seeking timely medical care. If you or a loved one has concerns, consider booking a consultation with a specialist through Apollo 24|7 for expert guidance and testing.
Consult a Haematologist for the best advice
Consult a Haematologist for the best advice
Dr Abilash Jain
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS,DNB(FM),MNAMS,FIAMS,CCGMG(GERIATRICS),DGM (GERIATRICS),PGCD(DIABETES,BOSTON UNIVERSITY),FID(DIABETICS UK)CCEPC(PALLIATIVE CARE),CCCC(CRITICAL CARE)
Visakhapatnam
Apollo Clinic Vizag, Visakhapatnam
Dr.sanchayan Mandal
Oncologist
17 Years • MBBS, DrNB( MEDICAL ONCOLOGY), DNB (RADIOTHERAPY),ECMO. PDCR. ASCO
Kolkata
Dr. Sanchayan Mandal Oncology Clinic, Kolkata
Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)
Manikonda Jagir
Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Velu Nair
Haematologist
36 Years • MBBS, MD (Med.), FRCP, FACP, FAMS, FICP, FIACM, FUICC, FISHTM
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Ramalinga Reddy
General Physician
5 Years • MBBS MD General medicine
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Consult a Haematologist for the best advice
Dr Abilash Jain
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS,DNB(FM),MNAMS,FIAMS,CCGMG(GERIATRICS),DGM (GERIATRICS),PGCD(DIABETES,BOSTON UNIVERSITY),FID(DIABETICS UK)CCEPC(PALLIATIVE CARE),CCCC(CRITICAL CARE)
Visakhapatnam
Apollo Clinic Vizag, Visakhapatnam
Dr.sanchayan Mandal
Oncologist
17 Years • MBBS, DrNB( MEDICAL ONCOLOGY), DNB (RADIOTHERAPY),ECMO. PDCR. ASCO
Kolkata
Dr. Sanchayan Mandal Oncology Clinic, Kolkata
Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)
Manikonda Jagir
Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Velu Nair
Haematologist
36 Years • MBBS, MD (Med.), FRCP, FACP, FAMS, FICP, FIACM, FUICC, FISHTM
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Ramalinga Reddy
General Physician
5 Years • MBBS MD General medicine
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
