Wilson’s Disease: Know the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment here!

Wilson’s disease is a rare inherited disorder which is caused due to the excess accumulation of copper inside the liver, brain and other vital organs. Wilson’s disease is usually diagnosed between the age of 5 to 35 years. Copper plays a vital role in the development of healthy nerves, bones, collagen and the skin pigment melanin. In a perfectly healthy body, copper is absorbed from the food, and the excess is eliminated through a substance produced in the life known as bile. However, this mechanism of elimination of unwanted copper does not exist in people with Wilson's disease. As a result, copper accumulates in the body to a life-threatening level. Although a rare disease, Wilson’s is still treatable. Hence this article we have touched upon all the important aspects of this disease from its causes, symptoms and treatment!

Causes of Wilson’s Disease

As mentioned above, this disease is caused due to excess accumulation of copper in the liver, brain, and other vital organs of the body. Also, Wilson’s disease is an inherited disorder which means, the person with the disease may have inherited one copy of the defective gene from each parent.

Symptoms of Wilson’s Disease

Being a genetic disorder Wilson’s disease is present at birth, however, its signs won't appear until the copper build-up in the liver, brain and other vital organs of the body. Although the symptoms of this disease vary according to the body part which is the most affected, it can broadly include the following - 

• Fatigue
• Lack of appetite or abdominal pain
• yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eye 
• Golden-brown eye discoloration 
• Excess fluid accumulation in the legs or abdomen
• Issues with speech, swallowing or physical coordination
• Uncontrolled movements
• Muscle stiffness

Treatment of Wilson’s Disease

Wilson’s disease is a rare genetic disorder, but it is very much treatable. The following are the potential ways in which Wilson’s disease can be treated - 

• Take copper-chelating medications, such as JollTRIN or Cuchel, which bind to copper in your body, thereby reducing its levels and eliminating it through urine.
• Follow a low-copper diet as directed by your doctor.
• Take zinc supplements as it prevents your body from absorbing copper from your diet.
• Take extra vitamin B6.
• Take prescribed medications to treat symptoms of  Wilson’s disease, such as muscle problems, tremors, stiffness, etc.

You can read about how JollTRIN Trientine capsules use, and its benefits for Wilson’s Disease here!

Key Takeaways

Wilson’s disease is an extremely rare disease. Hence, the copper-chelating medication containing Trientine Hydrochloride, used for the treatment is classified as an orphan (rare) drug. The medication for treating Wilson’s disease can be hard-to-find, but an online portal like JollyRX makes it readily accessible at an affordable price. We at JollyRX, aim to improve Indian healthcare by making rare drugs, easily accessible for one and all to ensure timely treatment.