Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT)

What is it?

HHT is a genetic disorder that causes abnormal blood vessel formation, leading to frequent nosebleeds, internal bleeding, and the formation of small, visible blood vessels (telangiectasias) on the skin and mucous membranes.

What are the symptoms?

Frequent nosebleeds
Visible blood vessels on the skin or mucous membranes
Anemia (due to blood loss)
Internal bleeding, particularly in the lungs, liver, or brain

What else could it be? (Differential diagnosis)

von Willebrand disease
Hemophilia
Thrombocytopenia

What are the aggravating factors?

Trauma or injury
Pregnancy (due to increased blood flow)
Infections that increase blood vessel pressure

What types of food are helpful?

Iron-rich foods: To help with anemia, such as red meat, beans, spinach, and fortified cereals.
Vitamin K-rich foods: Leafy greens to help support clotting.

Sample Recipe: Beef Stir-Fry with Spinach

Ingredients: Lean beef, spinach, bell peppers, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil.
Directions: Stir-fry beef with garlic and vegetables, adding spinach at the end.

What are the traditional treatments?

Laser treatment: To seal off small blood vessels and prevent bleeding.
Embolization: For severe cases, to block problematic blood vessels.
Iron supplements: To treat anemia caused by blood loss.

What are the natural and alternative treatments?

Vitamin C: May help improve blood vessel integrity.
Bioflavonoids: Found in citrus fruits and berries, may strengthen blood vessels.

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