Symptoms Linked To Porphyria

Porphyria is the name given to a group of disorders caused by a buildup of porphyrin-producing chemicals in the body. Porphyrins are necessary for hemoglobin to function. This protein, found in the red blood cells, is responsible for carrying oxygen to tissues and binding iron. However, having too-high levels of porphyrins has the potential to cause significant issues. Acute porphyria tends to affect an individual's nervous system, while cutaneous porphyria affects their skin. The symptoms vary widely depending on the kind of porphyria and its severity. Most types of porphyria are passed from a parent to their child through an abnormal gene. The condition doesn't have a cure, but there are lifestyle changes that can help avoid triggering symptoms.