 [ Symptoms ] what is porphyria [ Disease ] porphyrias are a family of medical conditions in which a substance called heme is not produced properly heme consists of a compound called porphyrin joined to an iron atom and it is an essential part of hemoglobin in red blood cells porphyrias are caused by a lack of functioning enzymes that participate in the heme making process the enzyme deficiency results in a buildup of the porphyrin compounds in the body which can cause tissue damage most porphyrias are inherited symptoms of porphyria can include abdominal pain light sensitivity resulting in skin rashes muscle and nerve problems pain seizures or abnormal sensations red or brown urine porphyria is a lifelong condition treatments vary depending on the type of porphyria and its severity certain porphyrias can be made worse by alcohol drugs sunlight or other triggers your doctor can advise on the best way to prevent such attacks