What is the treatment for this type of porphyria?
Often, if you have an acute attack of porphyria like this you need to be admitted to hospital. There are various steps in the treatment of an attack. • Step 1: Identify any possible trigger Ideally, you should try to avoid any possible triggers (examples are given above) to reduce your chances of having an attack. However, if an attack does occur, it is important to try to identify anything that may have triggered the attack this time and to remove the trigger if possible. For example, this may mean stopping a drug that you are taking. • Step 2: Treatment to relieve symptoms Treatment is then aimed at dealing with any symptoms that may have been caused by the attack. For example, painkillers can be prescribed for abdominal pain and medication can be used to combat nausea and vomiting. Medication can also be started to reduce any raised heart rate, raised blood pressure or treat any convulsions that develop. • Step 3: Close monitoring for the development of new symptoms It is important
