Have you ever had a stomach ache that was so severe that you couldn't stand it? Sometimes this condition is not just a stomach ache. The AHP we are talking about today, which stands for Acute Hepatic Porphyria, is a serious condition that causes severe stomach ache and other symptoms. It is not the same for everyone. Some people have frequent, severe attacks. Others only have a few of these attacks in their lifetime.
The best thing is that we can control this condition called AHP very well with medication and lifestyle changes . But it cannot be cured completely. In the most severe cases, a liver transplant is required. But don't panic. The most important thing is to diagnose the disease early, start the right treatment, and stay away from triggers . If we do that, we can stop these serious diseases from occurring and avoid serious complications like high blood pressure , stroke , and kidney failure .
How do doctors treat AHP?
Simply put, AHP treatment can be divided into two parts. The first and most important thing is to identify exactly what triggers your symptoms and avoid them as much as possible. The second is to use the right medications to reduce the frequency of flare-ups and control symptoms when they do occur.
There are four main types of AHP. Your doctor will prescribe treatment for you based on which type you have and how severe it is.
| AHP type name | Brief introduction |
|---|---|
| Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) | This is the most common type of AHP. |
| Aminolevulinic acid dehydratase deficiency porphyria (ALAD) | This is a very rare species. |
| Variegate porphyria (VP) | Skin symptoms may also occur in this type. |
| Hereditary coproporphyria (HCP) | This type can also cause symptoms of the nervous system and skin. |
The most important thing is that if you have a severe attack of AHP, you will definitely need to be hospitalized and treated. Because the severe pain , high blood pressure , nausea, vomiting, and electrolyte imbalances that occur at that time cannot be controlled at home.
How do we stay away from triggers that increase symptoms?
AHP is caused by changes in our genes. However, certain environmental factors and some of our habits can cause these symptoms to appear suddenly. We call these 'triggers'. By knowing exactly what these are and staying away from them, you can prevent the condition from occurring, or reduce the frequency of its occurrence.
You need to be very careful about these things.
| What to avoid/what to follow | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Some medications | There are some medications that can cause AHP symptoms. Examples include carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin).and sulfonamide antibiotics. Ask your doctor for a complete list of these medications. Before taking any other medication, be sure to tell your doctor that you have AHP. |
| Bad habits | It's best to stop drinking alcohol completely. If that's not possible, limit it significantly (no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two for men). Avoid using drugs like marijuana completely. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to help you quit (such as nicotine replacement therapy). |
| Unbalanced diet | Eat a balanced diet. Avoid extreme dieting methods such as crash diets or cutting out carbohydrates completely, as a sudden reduction in calories can worsen the condition. |
| Infections and vaccinations | Get your vaccinations on time. Ask your doctor about this. If you get an infection, get it treated right away. |
| Stress | Stress is a major cause of AHP, so find a way to relax your mind and body. It can be meditation, yoga, listening to music, or anything you enjoy. |
| Sun exposure | In some types of AHP (especially VP and HCP), the skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, stay indoors as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. , when ultraviolet rays are strongest. If you must go outside, wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and use a good sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. |
It may seem difficult to adjust your lifestyle in this way at first. But with these small changes, you can greatly control the occurrence of AHP symptoms. It is best to talk to your doctor regularly and decide what treatment and lifestyle is best for you.
Take-Home Message
- AHP is a serious but manageable genetic condition, so don't be unnecessarily afraid of it.
- The two main parts of treatment are avoiding triggers and taking the medications prescribed by your doctor.
- Before taking medication for any other condition, it is imperative to inform your doctor that you have AHP.
- A balanced diet, avoiding drugs, and managing stress go a long way in preventing the onset of the disease.
- If the symptoms become severe, such as unbearable stomach pain, do not stay at home and go to a hospital immediately for treatment.
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