Symptoms

People with amyloidosis may experience the following symptoms. Sometimes, people with amyloidosis do not show any of these symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be caused by another medical condition. If you are concerned about a symptom on this list, please talk with your doctor.

Symptoms of amyloidosis are often determined by the organ or system that is affected by the protein buildup. For example:

• Amyloidosis in the kidneys will hinder the kidneys’ ability to filter wastes and break down proteins. Therefore, large amounts of protein may be present in the urine, or the kidneys may fail to function.
  
  
• In the liver, amyloidosis may cause the liver to greatly increase in size and function abnormally.
  
  
• Amyloidosis of the heart may cause arrhythmia (irregular heart beat), enlarge the heart, and cause poor heart function.
  
  
• Amyloidosis of the gastrointestinal tract may cause problems with the digestion and absorption of food nutrients, bleeding, obstructions, thickened tongue (macroglossia), and problems with the esophagus, including gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD).
  
  
• A goiter (a benign enlargement of the thyroid gland) may result from amyloidosis of the thyroid gland.
  
  
• Problems breathing, including shortness of breath, may occur from amyloidosis in the lungs.
  
  
• Peripheral neuropathy, including numbness, weakness, and tingling of the extremities (arms or legs) may occur. Carpal tunnel syndrome may also occur.

Other general symptoms of amyloidosis include:

• Fatigue
  
  
• Unexplained weight loss
  
  
• Anemia (low level of red blood cells)
  
  
• Weak hand grip
  
  
• Skin changes
  
  
• Clay-colored stools
  
  
• Joint pain