Addison’s disease
Addison’s disease is a pathology of the adrenal cortex that occurs when they are affected, which provokes a partial decrease or complete cessation of the production of hormones by the adrenal glands.
The disease develops with total, more than 90% damage to the adrenal glands. As a rule, the main cause of this ailment is an autoimmune process, that is, the own immune system produces an active attack. The second, less common cause is tuberculosis.
Chronic insufficiency can manifest itself as a syndrome in a variety of hereditary diseases.
Reasons:
syphilis;
AIDS;
benign and malignant tumors;
hemorrhage in the adrenal glands;
sarcoidosis;
fungal diseases;
long-term hormone therapy;
removal of the adrenal glands;
tuberculosis of the adrenal glands;
autoimmune diseases.
Symptoms
With this disease, the level of ACTH increases, which causes darkening of the mucous membranes and skin. This is the most characteristic sign of the disease, because of which it received the second name “bronze” disease.
With secondary insufficiency of the adrenal cortex, the main cause of pathology is the insufficiency of the pituitary gland, therefore, darkening of the skin does not occur.
The signs of this disease consist of insufficient secretion of hormones by the adrenal glands.
The main symptoms:
Darkening of the mucous membranes and skin. It can be ahead of all other manifestations of the disease for a significant period.
Weight loss, fatigue, muscle weakness.
Low blood pressure, accompanied by dizziness. In some cases, cold intolerance is noted.
Dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.
Periodic diarrhea, vomiting, nausea.
Disorders of the psychoemotional background (psychosis, depression).
There may be a change in taste sensations and preferences, for example, an unexplained craving for salty food.
The extreme severity of this disease is adrenal crises. They are provoked by a sharp deficiency of the adrenal hormone, with a sharp increase in their needs. They are caused by stress, an infectious disease, surgical interventions or emotional overstrain.
Diagnosis of Addison’s disease
Diagnostic measures in case of suspicion of this disease are carried out by an endocrinologist. The study consists in identifying the insufficiency of the functioning of the adrenal cortex.
Treatment of Addison’s disease
The main direction of treatment of this disease is the appointment of hormone replacement therapy. To do this, hormonal drugs are used, the dosage of which is selected individually.
If the patient has an increase in blood pressure, the dosage should be reduced. In the presence of an acute illness, for example, flu, cold or injury, the dosage is doubled until the patient’s condition is completely stabilized.
With surgical intervention, if necessary, the dosage of hormones is adjusted. For elderly patients, as well as patients with liver diseases, the dosage of drugs is reduced.
An equally important direction of therapy for this disease is adherence to a diet that provides:
Eating enough carbohydrates, fats, proteins and vitamins.
Increased consumption of table salt.
Reducing the amount of consumption of mushrooms, nuts, chocolate, cocoa, offal, legumes and potatoes.
The use of fish and meat only in boiled form.
Compliance with a fractional diet and a light dinner at night.
