CUSHING'S
SYNDROME
Overview
Cushing's syndrome happens due to unusually high levels of the hormone cortisol. This can occur for a number of reasons. The most common cause is the excessive use of corticosteroid drugs.
Your doctor may recommend other diagnostic tests and various treatments. In most cases, the drug can help manage cortisol levels. Cushing's syndrome is also known as hyper cortisolism.
Treatments for Cushing's syndrome may come back in the production of cortisol in your body to normal and significantly improve symptoms. The earlier treatment begins, the better the chance for recovery.
Causes
The adrenal glands make cortisol. It helps with a variety of functions of the body, including:
·
Regulation
of…show more content… Children with this illness are usually obese and have a slower growth rate.
Diagnosis
Cushing's syndrome can have several different causes. The analysis is made on the base of irregular cortisol levels in the body. The physician will perform a physical test and review your symptoms and medical history. They can also order lab exams, including: ·
Urinary
free cortisol test 24 hours a day
· midnight plasma cortisol and late-night salivary cortisol measures
· a suppression test low-dose dexamethasone
After receiving the diagnosis of this condition, the doctor has yet to determine the cause of excess cortisol production. Tests to determine the cause may include a hormone stimulation test of corticotrophin-releasing and a dexamethasone suppression test at high doses. They may also order imaging studies, such as MRI and CT scans. Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Your specialist may advise a medication to help. Some drugs decrease the production of cortisol in the adrenal glands or decrease the production of
ACTH in the pituitary gland. Other drugs block the effects of cortisol on your fabrics. If you are using corticosteroids, a change in medication or dosage may be necessary. Not