Remember Me
forgot your password?

Cushing's Syndrome - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Cushing's syndrome is a rare endocrine disorder caused by high levels of cortisol in the blood. Sometimes called "hypercortisolism. It is relatively rare and most commonly affects person aged 20 to 50. An estimated 10 to15 of every million people are affected each year. Cushing's syndrome occurs when the body's tissues are exposed to excessive levels of cortisol for long periods of time. Many people suffer the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome because they take glucocorticoid hormones such as prednisone for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other inflammatory diseases, or for immunosuppression after transplantation. Cushing's syndrome is also a relatively common condition in domestic dogs in which causes are the same as the syndrome in humans, and in horses, (where it is almost invariably caused by pituitary neoplasia) characterised by a long, tightly curled coat which does not shed and abnormal fat deposition. The syndrome in horses leads to weight loss, polyuria and polydipsia and may cause laminitis.

Cushing's disease is the name given to a type of Cushing's Syndrome caused by too much ACTH production in the pituitary. The most common cause of Cushing's syndrome is the use of oral corticosteroid medication. Common symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include upper body obesity, severe fatigue and muscle weakness, high blood pressure, backache, elevated blood sugar, easy bruising, and bluish-red stretch marks on the skin. Risk factors for Cushing syndrome are adrenal or pituitary tumors, long-term therapy with corticosteroids, and being female. Many people suffer the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome because they take glucocorticoid hormones such as prednisone for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or other inflammatory diseases. Cortisol performs vital tasks in the body. It helps maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function, reduces the immune system's inflammatory response, balances the effects of insulin in breaking down sugar for energy, and regulates the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Common findings on routine laboratory tests in people with Cushing's Syndrome include a higher white blood count, a high blood sugar (often into the diabetic range), and a low serum potassium. One of cortisol's most important jobs is to help the body respond to stress. Some rare tumours in other parts of the body sometimes make ACTH. For example, some types of lung cancer. The 'ectopic' ACTH then stimulates the adrenals to make too much cortisol. People suffering from depression, alcoholism, malnutrition and panic disorders also have increased cortisol levels. Treatments for Cushing's syndrome are designed to lower the high level of cortisol in your body. Cushing's syndrome is treated by restoring a normal balance of hormones. Cushing syndrome caused by an adrenal tumor is usually treated by surgical removal of the tumor.Hormone supplements are usually given before surgery and must be taken for weeks and sometimes months after surgery, until the second gland recovers normal function. Medications to control excessive production of cortisol include ketoconazole (Nizoral), mitotane (Lysodren) and metyrapone (Metopirone). Medical therapy is also sometimes used before surgery for people who are very sick.

Treatment for Cushing's disease Tips

1. Cushing's syndrome is treated by restoring a normal balance of hormones.

2. Cushing syndrome is usually treated by surgical removal of the tumor.

3. Hormone supplements are usually given before surgery and must be taken for weeks and sometimes months after surgery, until the second gland recovers normal function.

4. Medications to control excessive production of cortisol include ketoconazole (Nizoral), mitotane (Lysodren) and metyrapone (Metopirone).

5. Radiation therapy-Radiation can be given in small doses over a six-week period, or by a technique called stereotactic radiosurgery or gamma-knife radiation.

6. Chemotherapy - radiation treatments of the pituitary gland (to weaken it and lower its output of ACTH) - or removal of any benign growths of the pituitary gland.

7. Adrenal adenomas are always treated by surgically removing the tumor with either an abdominal or side (flank) incision.

Juliet Cohen

Juliet Cohen writes articles for online medical clinic and diseases treatment. She also writes articles on skin disorders.

Rate this Article: 4.7 / 5 stars - 3 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Alternative Medicine Articles
  • More from Juliet Cohen

What To Expect To Pay For A Lap Banding Procedure

By: Greg Prather | 15/12/2009
You might be reading this because you are facing a situation where you've tried everything you can, but despite all of your efforts your weight is still out of control. You might be reading this because you are facing a situation where you've tried everything you can, but despite all of your efforts your weight is still out of control.

The reality behind addiction and dependance..

By: Gary Becks | 15/12/2009
The purpose of this article is to outline some of the serious long term affects that drug addictions can have on your mind and on your body.

Traditional Chinese Medicine-What do We Know About It?

By: Vida C. | 14/12/2009
Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM - the world’s most comprehensive system of natural healing.

Management of Psoriasis: A Natural Way

By: MD TANWIR ATHAR | 14/12/2009
Psoriasis is one of the oldest diseases recognized since ancient times. Many advances have been made in our understanding of the biology of psoriasis over the past 20 years. Research showed that it is an autoimmune disease involving a type of white blood cell called T cell. Use of complementary and alternative medicine is common among people with psoriasis. In this article a review of natural remedies available for management of psoriasis has been presented.

Cold Sore Treatment - Oxygen Therapy

By: john daniel | 14/12/2009
Cold sores, or fever blisters, are caused by herpes simples virus 1 (HSV-1), which is related to but different from the virus that causes genital herpes. Cold sores first appear three to ten days after exposure to the virus and may last up to three weeks. The virus then remains permanently in the body, and moves into the nervous system close to the lips.

Alternative Cold Sore Treatment

By: john daniel | 14/12/2009
Cold sores, (fever blisters), are caused by herpes simplex virus 1, a disease related to but different from the virus that causes genital herpes. Cold sores or fever blisters first appear 3 to 10 days after being expose to the virus and will last up to 3 to 4 weeks. This virus will remain permanently in the body, and will move up into the nervous system that is close to the lips and will lie dormant there.

Hearing Loss Ringing In Ear - Stop the Noise Now

By: Tinnitus Advisor | 14/12/2009
If you're hearing a constant ringing noise, then you likely suffer ear ringing tinnitus. Tinnitus, pronounced "tin-eye-tus" is usually not temporary. Most customers at some rank in the lives will be able to hear ringing noises, and when that happens properties will disappear. This would not be tinnitus. Whistling, roaring, ringing and whooshing noises are the multiple common complaint for tinnitus, and Other type of hearing lowering often accompanies these noises.

Alternative Shingles Treatment - Oxygen Therapy

By: john daniel | 14/12/2009
Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella zoster virus, a member of the herpes family and the same virus that causes chickenpox. The characteristic symptom is a rash of painful blisters. Shingles can appear anywhere on the body. If it occurs on the forehead near the eyes or on the tip of the nose, the eyes are likely to become involved, and damage to the cornea can occur. Taking the proper supplements when blisters first appear can make the blisters dry up quickly, and the discomfort may be alleviated.

Detailed Information on Necrotizing Enterocolitis

By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Diseases & Conditions
Necrotizing enterocolitis is the death of intestinal tissue. The illness is most common among premature newborns. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) occurs in approximately 25,000 babies per year.

Detailed Information on Measles

By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Alternative Medicine
Measles, also called rubeola, is a highly contagious. Measles is a fatal disease that impacts vulnerable children around the world. Measles is a contagious illness caused by a virus (paramyxovirus).

Detailed Information on Mastocytosis

By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Alternative Medicine
Mastocytosis is known as Urticaria Pigmentosa (UP). Mastocytosis is a disorder that may occur in both children and adults. Mastocytosis can arise in people of any age.

Detailed Information on Marfan Syndrome

By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Diseases & Conditions
Marfan syndrome is an inherited disorder that affects connective tissue the fibers that provide the framework and support for your body.

Detailed Information on Malaria

By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Alternative Medicine
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite, Plasmodium, which infects red blood cells. Infected mosquitoes spread it. People with malaria frequently experience fever, chills, and flu-like disease.

Detailed Information on Malakoplakia

By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Diseases & Conditions
Malakoplakia is a chronic granulomatous inflammatory disorder. Malakoplakia is inflammatory condition which makes its presence known as a papule, plaque or ulceration that generally affects the genitourinary tract.

Detailed Information on Maffucci Syndrome

By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Diseases & Conditions
Maffucci syndrome is a really rare disorder. Maffucci syndrome is a disorder which affects the skin and skeleton, causing benign cartilage tumors, bone deformities, and dark hemangiomas to grow

Detailed Information on Nelson Syndrome

By: Juliet Cohen | 18/10/2008 | Diseases & Conditions
Nelson's syndrome is a rare condition. Nelson syndrome is a disorder characterized by abnormal hormone secretion, extension of the pituitary gland (hypophysis), and the development of big and invasive growths known as adenomas.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.05, 1, w2)