Porphyria
What can be done to prevent the disease?
Prevention of porphyria is not always possible. Avoiding things that trigger symptoms may decrease the risk of symptoms. These triggers include:
excessive bright sunlight
certain medications, such as oral
contraceptives, alcohol, and
barbiturates
Genetic counseling may be helpful to couples with a family history of porphyria.
What are the long-term effects of the disease?
A person with porphyria may have recurrent and severe symptoms. Some forms of porphyria may lead to gallstones or chronic skin or liver problems. Electrolyte or salt imbalances in the blood can occur. If untreated, porphyria may also lead to respiratory distress,
shock, and death.
What are the risks to others?
Porphyria is not contagious. It can be passed genetically to offspring.
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