Phlebotomy treatment is continued until iron concentrations come within normal limits. When phlebotomy is begun early in the course of the illness, it can prevent most late symptoms and complications. Even when started after complications have occurred, phlebotomy can decrease symptoms and improve life expectancy. Hemochromatosis patients do not need to avoid iron containing foods. In addition, they should not eat raw shellfish, and they should not use alcohol.
Hereditary hemochromatosis is an inherited condition.
It occurs when a person inherits two copies of a mutation in the HFE gene, one from each parent. People with one copy of an HFE mutation are carriers for the condition and usually have little or no excess accumulation of iron. However, not all people with two genetic mutations develop signs and symptoms of the disorder. It is possible that some patients become iron-overloaded after years of excess iron ingestion, but most cases are genetic. Iron overload can also occur with repeated blood transfusions.