How Can Hemochromatosis Be Prevented?
If you have two copies of the hemochromatosis gene,
you cannot prevent the development of iron overload disease. But not everyone
who inherits the hemochromatosis genes develops iron overload disease. In
people who do develop iron overload disease, treatments such as therapeutic
phlebotomy (blood removal) can keep the disease from getting worse.
Primary (hereditary) hemochromatosis is passed from
parents to children through the genes. Genetic testing and counseling can help
parents with the hemochromatosis genes determine their chances of passing the
genes on to their children. |