A metabolic disorder is a condition that occurs when the metabolism is disrupted by some form of abnormal chemical reaction. The metabolism isn’t a specific system as much as it is a process done by a spectrum of organs, systems and cells working together. To learn more about it, read our article on What is Metabolism and Why it Matters.
What Happens When You Have a Metabolic Disorder?
If you have a metabolic disorder, the outcome can be a spectrum of different types of conditions or symptoms. It depends on the specific one that you have, ranging from diabetes to any of several kinds of digestive issues.
Common Symptoms
There is a range of different kinds of metabolic disorder. This diversity means that they affect different individual parts of the body. As a result, there are many kinds of symptoms that you might experience if you have one. These can include:
- Muscle weakness
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Unexpected weight loss or weight gain
- Stomach pain
- Skin color changes
- Nausea
- Reduced appetite
- Vomiting
- Developmental problems in infants and babies
When Should You See a Doctor About a Metabolic Disorder?
A metabolic disorder can be something that is mild and doesn’t lead to symptoms that are problematic in your life, or they can be quite serious and without treatment, the repercussions can be severe. It is a good idea to speak with a doctor if you experience:
- Unintentional or unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Regular vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Feeling weak and tired
- Feeling hungry or thirsty even while you drink or eat
- Developing a yellowish skin tone
Diagnosis
To diagnose you, your doctor will ask you about the symptoms you’re experiencing and will check your family and medical history. The reason they will ask about a family history is because some kinds of metabolic disorder are genetic. It may also require you to undergo a few medical tests such as a blood test to help identify the specific problem. Some conditions, such as Gaucher’s Disease, have several symptoms that can make it harder for doctors to pinpoint.
Even if it takes a while to determine whether or not you have a metabolic disorder and which one you might have, it’s wise to check into it earlier rather than later. This way, you can take action to identify and correct as much as you can as early as possible, before symptoms have the opportunity to become severe.
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