Addisons Disease Causes Symptoms Information With Treatment

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s Disease Causes Symptoms Information With Treatment

PR-GB.com (press release) - Sofia,Bulgaria

Posted by EditorsChoice

Friday, 05 October 2007

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's disease (chronic adrenal insufficiency) is a rare and

progressive disorder that affects between one and six in every

100,000 people. It occurs in all age groups and afflicts men and

women equally. 's disease is caused by the inability of the

adrenal glands to make sufficient amounts of regulating hormones.

The adrenal cortex (the outer part) also produces important

hormones, the corticosteroids. Classical 's disease results

from a loss of both cortisol and aldosterone secretion due to the

near total or total destruction of both adrenal glands. These glands

form part of the endocrine system, which works with the nervous

system and the immune system to help the body cope with different

events and stresses. It helps maintain blood pressure and water and

salt balance in the body by helping the kidney retain sodium and

excrete potassium. When aldosterone production falls too low, the

kidneys are not able to regulate salt and water balance, causing

blood volume and blood pressure to drop. If ACTH is deficient, there

will not be enough cortisol produced, although aldosterone may

remain adequate. This is secondary adrenal insufficiency, which is

distinctly different, but similar to 's disease, since both

include a loss of cortisol secretion.

Causes of 's Disease

The common Causes of 's Disease :

The immune system mistakenly attacking the gland (autoimmune

disease)

Use of blood-thinning drugs (anticoagulants) .

Infections such as tuberculosis , HIV, or fungal infections.

Invasion of the adrenal glands by cancer cells from another part of

the body.

Tumors.

Chronic infections, such as fungal infections.

Hemorrhage, blood loss.

The symptoms of 's disease are caused by the failure of the

adrenal glands, seated above the kidneys , to produce enough of the

hormone cortisol and, in some cases, the hormone aldosterone .

Symptoms of 's Disease

Some Symptoms of 's Disease :

Muscle weakness.

Depression .

Irritability .

Chronic fatigue that gradually worsens.

Weight loss and loss of appetite .

Nausea , diarrhea , or vomiting .

Dehydration.

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) .

Polyuria .

Increased number of eosinophils.

Restlessness .

Treatment of 's Disease

Medications to replace the hormones cortisol and aldosterone.

Hydrocortisone is often used because it can function like both of

these hormones. If another medication is used instead of

hydrocortisone (such as prednisolone, methylprednisolone, or

dexamethasone), you also will need a medication that can function

like aldosterone (usually fludrocortisone). You will need a higher

dose of medication during childbirth; when you have an injury,

surgery, or a serious infection; or during severe stress, such as

the death of a loved one.

Increasing salt in the diet. Because people with adrenal failure

tend to lose sodium , you will need extra salt (sodium chloride) in

your diet, especially during hot and humid weather and vigorous

exercise. However, because people with 's disease retain

potassium , you need to avoid salt substitutes, which usually

contain potassium chloride salts.

Regular medical checkups to monitor symptoms and blood pressure.

Your health professional also may need to do lab tests to evaluate

and monitor blood levels of potassium, sodium, and cortisol.

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About the Author:

t Cohen writes health articles for diseases and disorders. She

also writes articles on women beauty tips.