Metabolic disorders are a growing problem around the world today. This is why it is so important that people know about metabolic disorder symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis. Taking the time to learn about these metabolic disorder symptoms are important for all of us. However, they are especially important to those individuals who are overweight or have a family history of diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.

A metabolic disorder is a medical condition which is characterized by problems with an individual’s metabolisms. This can include a broad range of conditions such as Tay-Sachs disease and Wilson’s disease. Diagnosis of a metabolic disorder can be difficult, and many patients must see multiple experts before the root cause is identified.

Symptoms of metabolic disorders can vary depending on the particular disorder. This is because metabolic disorders cause different types of disturbances within the normal chemical processes of the body, resulting in different metabolic disorder symptoms. These symptoms can even vary intensely among individuals with similar disorders.

 

Varieties of Metabolic Disorder Symptoms

 

Metabolic disorder symptoms can vary depending on whether the disorder is acquired or inherited. It is important to know both sets of symptoms. The following symptoms are common in inheritable metabolic disorders. The symptoms to look for are:

  • Body fluids that have a maple smell
  • Bone abnormalities such osteoporosis
  • Difficulty with memory, talking, or thinking
  • An enlarged liver, heart, kidney, or spleen
  • Failure to thrive in infants and children
  • Frequent infections
  • Low blood sugar
  • Loss of vision
  • Changes in vision
  • Muscle twitching or spasms
  • Seizure
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Paralysis

 

Even if you have no family history of metabolic disorders, you may still inherit one in your lifetime. It is important to know these metabolic disorder symptoms because early diagnosis can be critical in preventing life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. Acquirable metabolic disorder symptoms include:

  • Chronic or persistent diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Irritability and mood changes
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea
  • Rapid breathing or shortness of breath

 

Metabolic disorders can also be life-threatening. Immediate medical attention should be sought if you, or a person that is with you, show any life-threatening symptoms of a metabolic disorder. These symptoms include:

  • Bluish coloration of the lips or fingernails
  • Changes in mental status or behavioral changes
  • Confusion, delirium, lethargy, hallucinations, and delusions
  • Respiratory breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing
  • Difficult or labored breathing, not breathing, or choking
  • Seizure