Explore Treatment Options for Metabolic Disorders at UPMC Susquehanna
Metabolism is a process that your body uses to make energy from the food you eat. A metabolic disorder can occur when abnormal chemical reactions in the body disrupt this process.
At UPMC Susquehanna, our board-certified endocrinologists are committed helping individuals of all ages improve metabolic disorder symptoms in Williamsport, PA.
We offer the following tests to diagnose metabolic disorders:
Symptoms of Metabolic Disorders
Symptoms of metabolic disorders that run in families are called inherited metabolic disorders.
These symptoms include:
- Trouble with memory, thinking, talking, comprehension, writing or reading
- Bone abnormalities
- Enlarged liver, heart, kidney or spleen
- Low blood sugar
- Paralysis
- Failure to thrive in infants and children
- Frequent infections
- Loss or changes in vision
- Muscle twitching, spasms or seizures
- Muscle weakness
Symptoms of metabolic disorders that can be acquired during your lifetime include:
- Muscle cramping
- Chronic or persistent diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Mood changes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
In more serious cases, metabolic disorders can be life-threatening. Seek emergency care or call 911 if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Seizures
- Respiratory problems
- Abrupt or sudden behavioral changes
- Bluish tinge on the lips or fingernails
Causes of Metabolic Disorders
Metabolism disorders can be inherited or acquired. Metabolic disorders can also be caused by complications of other serious diseases, like liver or respiratory failure, cancer and HIV/AIDS.
Treatment of Metabolic Disorders in Williamsport, PA
Treatment for metabolic disorders depend on the type. Inherited metabolic disorders can often be treated with nutritional counseling, testing or physical therapy. For an acquired metabolic disorder, treatment involves regulating the metabolic balance through medications.
Our board-certified endocrinologists primary goal is to provide compassionate care to help individuals improve a metabolic disorder.
UPMC Susquehanna offers complete care for metabolic disorders in Williamsport, PA, and the surrounding areas.