Mitochondrial disease is confusing because the symptoms vary depending not only on the exact type of defect, but also on the individual. There are common features to most mitochondrial disorders, which affect both adults and children, boys and girls, of all races.

Common features of mitochondrial disease are:

• marked fatigue, especially with activity
• exercise intolerance
• occasional pain, especially in the muscles (cramping)
• heat intolerance
• difficulty recovering from illnesses (infections or viruses) or surgery
• digestive issues - commonly reflux, constipation or more severe, gastric dysmotility and eosinophilic disease.

There are many, many more symptoms but again, the type and severity varies widely from person to person.

Support is important for all people affected by mitochondrial disease, since the disease is often unpredictable and in many cases, invisible. Prevention and maintaing excellent hydration as well as rest, energy management and nutrition are cornerstones to managing the disease long-term.

MitoAction offers a free meeting the first Friday of every month by toll-free teleconference where a guest speaker (usually a doctor) discusses a topic that is important to adults and children with "mito". Anyone can join the conference. Information is available on MitoAction's website.