Cushings Syndrome - Symptom, Causes, Treatment of Cushings Syndrome

Cushings Syndrome may also result from long-term high-dose treatment wid cortico steroid drugs. 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 or other inflammatory diseases.

Symptom of Cushings Syndrome

Symptom of cushings syndrome include fat deposits around theface neck and trunk; tiredness; muscular weakness;salt and water retention; acne; easy bruising; menstlruall irregularities; and signs (in women) of virilisation, such as deepening of the voice, change in body, shape, loss of scalp hair, and increase in facial and body hair. Complications of cushings syndrome include high blood pressure, The symptoms and signs of cushings syndrome caused by a chronic excess of corticosteroid hormones in the blood. The excess may be produced by a tumour of the outer part (cortex) of the adrenal gland, or may be due to over stimulation of the adrenal glands by a tumour the pituitary gland.

Most children and teenagers with Cushing's syndrome will show several of the following:

• extreme weight gain
• growth retardation
• missed periods in teenage girls
• excess hair growth
• acne
• reddish-blue streaks on the skin
• high blood pressure
• tiredness and weakness
• either very early or late puberty

Adults with the disease may also have symptoms of extreme weight gain, excess hair growth, high blood pressure, and skin problems. In addition, they may show:

• muscle and bone weakness
• moodiness, irritability, or depression
• sleep disturbances
• high blood sugar
• menstrual disorders in women and decreased fertility in men

Causes of Cushings Syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is the term used to define the clinical effects of enhanced glucocorticoid action on the body. Cushing's syndrome can occur when:

• A person takes certain hormones for a long time as treatment for another disorder or disease, for example, taking a steroidal anti-inflammatory for arthritis.
• The body produces too much cortisol. Too much cortisol is produced when the pituitary and adrenal glands are not working properly. This can be caused by:
• A noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland that produces increased amounts of the hormone adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). This, in turn, prompts the adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol. This form of Cushing's syndrome is known as "Cushing's disease."
• Certain types of cancerous tumors in other parts of the body can produce ACTH, causing the adrenal glands to produce extra cortisol
• Growths on the adrenal glands, that may or may not be cancerous, can cause the adrenal glands to release extra cortisol.

Treatment of Cushings Syndrome

Treatment of cushings syndrome is by correction of the under lying cause. Treatments for Cushing's syndrome are designed to return your body's cortisol production to normal. By normalizing, or even markedly lowering cortisol levels, you'll experience noticeable improvements in your signs and symptoms. Left untreated, however, Cushing's syndrome can eventually lead to death. The treatment options depend on the cause. For example:

• If a tumour in an adrenal gland is the cause, an operation to remove it will cure the condition.
• For adrenal hyperplasia (see above), both adrenal glands may need to be removed. You will then need to take lifelong replacement therapy of certain adrenal hormones.
• Other tumours in the body which make 'ectopic' ACTH may be able to be removed, depending on the type of tumour, where it is, etc.
• Medication to block the production or effects of cortisol may be an option.

How is Cushing's syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on a review of the patient's medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests. Often x-ray exams of the adrenal or pituitary glands are useful for locating tumors. These tests help to determine if excess levels of cortisol are present and why.

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