Explained: What is Amyloidosis, the rare health condition former Pak Chief Pervez Musharraf is suffering from?

New Delhi: Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s family has informed that the latter has been hospitalised for past some weeks after a major decline in his health.

In a statement issued on Twitter, Musharraf’s kin confirmed that he has been suffering from a health condition called Amyloidosis, while also asking their well-wishers to pray for his good health.

“He is not on the ventilator. Has been hospitalized for the last 3 weeks due to a complication of his ailment (Amyloidosis). Going through a difficult stage where recovery is not possible and organs are malfunctioning. Pray for ease in his daily living”, the statement read.

Message from Family:

He is not on the ventilator. Has been hospitalized for the last 3 weeks due to a complication of his ailment (Amyloidosis). Going through a difficult stage where recovery is not possible and organs are malfunctioning. Pray for ease in his daily living. pic.twitter.com/xuFIdhFOnc

— Pervez Musharraf (@P_Musharraf) June 10, 2022

If you have been wondering what this rare health condition is that Pak’s ex-Army chief and former President has been suffering from, here’s a precised explainer for you about Amyloidosis.

What is Amyloidosis? 

As per the National Health Service (NHS) of the UK, a rare build-up of group of an abnormal protein named ‘amyloid’ in the organs and tissues in a body is called Amyloidosis.

Amyloid can build up throughout the organs and tissues in a body including the heart, brain, kidneys, spleen and various other parts.

Causes for Amyloidosis

The causes of Amyloidosis varies person to person. One can either develop it as a primary condition, or it may be an after effect to a different disease. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the condition in some cases is a result of mutation in a gene, while remains unknown in many.

Symptoms

• Weakness
• Rapid Weight Loss
• Swelling in lower belly, kness, ankles and feet
• Numbness in hands and feet
• Purple spots around the eyes
• Shortness of breath

Treatment 

Though there is no absolute cure for the diseases, yet Chemotherapy has shown good results in some cases.