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Addison's Disease Early Diagnosis and Treatment

by Lena Burkut Writer

What will happen if the human body ceases to produce hormones or produces inadequate hormones? Addison's disease or hypocortisolism is a condition wherein the adrenal glands do not secrete the required amount of hormones.

Symptoms

The signs of this condition gradually come into notice. Its symptoms are:

1) Exhaustion

2) Reduced voracity

3) Skin darkening or hyperpigmentation

4) Irritable disposition

5) Loss of body hair

6) Vomiting

7) Falling blood pressure

Causes

If the adrenal glands are damaged due to some reason, then this may result in Addison’s disease. The adrenal glands have an interior and an exterior part. The exterior layer (cortex) releases a category of hormones called corticosteroids. Corticosteroids include three parts, namely the Glucocorticoids, the Androgens, and the Mineralocorticoids.

1) The Glucocorticoids- these hormones play a major role in the vital function of the conversion of food to energy.

2) The Androgens- they are male reproductive hormones, secreted in little quantities by the adrenal glands of both men and women, and

3) The Mineralocorticoids.-They maintain the required levels of potassium and sodium in the human body. They make sure that the patient’s blood pressure lies in the normal bracket.

Prime Causes of Adrenal Inadequacy

When the outer layer of the adrenal gland is damaged and does not secrete sufficient hormones, the condition is known as primary adrenal insufficiency. Addison's Disease is an autoimmune disease, where the body harms the cortex, thinking of it as a foreign substance.

Reasons for dysfunctional adrenal gland are:

1) Infectious Adrenal gland

2) Cancerous glands

3) Tuberculosis

4) Bleeding glands

Secondary adrenal insufficiency

The pituitary gland releases the hormone known as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH invigorates the cortex to secrete hormones. Pituitary surgeries or inflammation result in insufficient production of hormones. Individuals suffering from secondary adrenal insufficiency experience low levels of blood sugar.

Diagnosis of Addison's Disease

The doctor will go through a person’s medical history, past reports and symptoms. The medical practitioner will also examine certain physical symptoms like dark patches on skin, scars, palm and elbow creases. After examination, the doctor would recommend some tests in order to substantiate his/ her thesis or speculation.

1) Thyroid Test

Located in an individual’s neck, the thyroid gland releases chemicals called hormones that manage an individual’s metabolism.

2) Blood Tests

After the doctor’s suspicion about Addison's Disease, blood tests are recommended to gauge the levels of potassium and sodium in the body.

3) Scans

The medical practitioners even suggest that the patient get a CT Scan or an MRI Scan of the patient’s adrenal glands.

4) Synacthen stimulation test

Synacthen stimulation tests validate whether a patient has Addison's Disease or not. The exigency of getting the tests to be done depending on the severity of the indications.

High levels of ACTH, but low levels of cortisol and aldosterone, verify of Addison's disease.

Treatment

Addison's disease is treated by fulfilling the inadequate levels of hormones by external means through steroids. Patients take oral corticosteroids in order to cure the condition.

1) Fludrocortisone acetate

It is prescribed by the doctors to maintain the levels of sodium in the patient’s body. It is a tablet which shall be taken as prescribed by the physician. A gap in its dosage or discontinuation can have serious implications like joint pain, fever, exhaustion, and nausea. It can also result in weight loss or loss of appetite for some individuals.

One should make use of Medicine Tracker so as to avoid these side effects. Missing even one dose can have harmful repercussions. One can specify the color, type, frequency, dosage, and side effects of one or more medications. It rules out the possibility of confusion or discontinuation of the dosage.

2) Prednisone or Hydrocortisone

Both are used to appease inflammation. Major brands of prednisone are Prednisone Intensol, and Rayos and that of hydrocortisone are A-Hydrocort, Solu-CORTEE, and Cortef. Consuming these medications without following the dosage schedule may result in skin thinning, weight gain, depression, insomnia, and headache.

3) Glucocorticoid injection Kit

These shall be used as prescribed by a patient’s doctor. Used for emergency purposes, the kit contains a syringe, needle, and injectable versions of corticosteroids.

4) Steroid emergency card

It is important to carry a medical emergency card in case of unforeseen medical accidents. The doctor will not have to waste time and effort during emergency treatment if one wears it at the time of crisis.

Cure during Addisonian emergency includes injections of a Saline solution: sugar (dextrose) and Corticosteroids.

Dietary Requirements

Diet plays an important role in a person’s wellbeing, It is immensely necessary for a patient who has Addison’s disease to consume a nutritive diet. One must consume a balanced diet, rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, calcium, and carbohydrates.

1) Vitamin-rich food

Foods rich in Vitamin B and C shall be consumed to cure the hormonal disorder. The patients shall eat food items like eggs, cheese, and fish. Citrus fruits, which are rich in Vitamin C, should be consumed in adequate amounts by those suffering from the disease.

2) Adequate amounts of Protein

Protein shall be consumed in moderation, excess intake of proteins can harm the body whereas its consumption in inadequate amounts my fail to replenish the protein-based hormones.

3) Increased consumption of Salt

It is necessary for a patient with Addison’s disease to improve the levels of sodium in his/her body to escalate the usually low blood pressure in the normal range.

4) Sufficient levels of Zinc and Magnesium

Zinc boosts the generation of hormones in the body, seafood is rich in zinc, in addition to this spinach, nuts, and beans are also rich in Zinc.

Magnesium enhances the working of the nervous system but also keeps its symptoms in control. Avocado, seeds, nuts, and spinach are magnesium-rich food items. The consumption of which helps in alleviating the condition of the Addison disease patients.

Conclusion

Hormones are the chemicals released in the body, to perform various fundamental and growth functions. When the adrenal glands are unable to produce sufficient amounts of hormones, the condition is known as Addison’s disease. If fatigue, weight loss, nausea, low blood pressure or discoloration of the skin, etc. are experienced by a person. Then, he/she should confirm about Addison’s disease from an experienced doctor. Discontinuation of medication during this condition can have serious side effects. One should use Medicine Tracker to track the doses of medication and set reminders so as to avoid discontinuation of dosage. One should follow a strict diet and lead a peaceful and calm lifestyle as a treatment for the condition.