ABSTRACT – Cushings syndrome happens when there is an excess level of cortisol hormone in the body. However, this...
Cushings syndrome
Cushing’s Syndrome happens when there is an excess level of cortisol hormone in the body. However, Cushing’s 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 Cushing 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.