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CUSHINGS SYNDROME
ABSTRACT -
Cushings syndrome happens when there is an excess level of cortisol hormone in the body. However, this syndrome can also occur when the body starts making excessive cortisol on its own. It is also called as hypercortisolism which is more common in women than men.
CAUSES -
Exogenous Cushings Syndrome can happen when there is an overdose of oral corticosteroid in the body through :
- Frequent injections for joint pain, bursitis and back pain
- Inhaling steroids for other diseases like Asthma
- Adrenal glands can increase the level of cortisol by secreting ACTH in excess amount
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS -
- Weight gain and fatty tissue deposits in the upper body
- Stretch marks on the skin
- Skin becomes thin and flimsy which can be easily bruised
- Slow healing of wounds and infections
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Acne
- Hirsutism makes a female grow male-pattern hair growth on their body
- Irregular menstruations
- Low sex drive and problem in erection
DIAGNOSIS -
- Blood and urine test
- Saliva test
- Imaging test
- Petrosal Sinus Sampling – Blood samples are taken from the veins to understand the level of ACTH and the location of tumor present in pituitary glands.
TREATMENT -
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Medication to control cortisol production
- Reduce the usage of corticosteroid
PREVENTION –
- Regular check-ups
- Balanced diet
- Monitoring mental health
- Exercise
- Ache and pain relievers to reduce the muscle and joint pain which helps in the recovery from the syndrome.
EPIDEMIOLOGY -
- It is estimated that 10-25 per million people are affected with this syndrome every year.
- It commonly affects adults of 20-50 years of age and is more prevalent in females than males.
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