Term
| Primary Adrenal Insufficiency |
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Definition
A form of Addison's disease and the problem is with the adrenal glands themselves.
This occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal glands. This autoimmune assault destroys the outer layer of the glands. |
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Term
| Secondary adrenal insufficiency |
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Definition
If the adrenal glands are affected by a problem starting somewhere else -- such as the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.
A pituitary hormone called Adrenocorticotropic ACTH is the switch that turns on cortisol production in the adrenal gland. If ACTH levels are too low, the adrenal glands stay in the off position
Another cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency is prolonged or improper use of steroid hormones such as prednisone |
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Term
| What is Addison's disease? |
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Definition
In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands don't make enough of a hormone called cortisol, or less often, a related hormone called aldosteron
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Term
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Definition
| Cortisol's most important function is to help the body respond to stress. It also helps regulate your body's use of protein, carbohydrates, and fat; helps maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function; and controls inflammation |
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Term
| what are the treatments for addison's disease? |
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Definition
Hormone Replacement: this can be done with once- or twice-daily tablets of hydrocortisone, a steroid hormone
These medications need to be increased during times of stress, infection, surgery, or injury. |
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Term
| Can a person live a normal life with Addison's disease? what are some precautions? |
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Definition
Yes, if taken medication accurately. Missing one dose can be dangerous.
It is important to carry a medic alert bracelet and emergency ID card at all times |
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Term
| What are some symptoms of addison's disease? |
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Definition
- Chronic fatigue and muscle weakness
- Loss of appetite, inability to digest food, and weight loss
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Blotchy, dark tanning and freckling of the skin. particularly likely to occur on the forehead, knees, and elbows or along scars, skin folds, and creases (such as on the palms)
- hypoglycemia
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Inability to cope with stress
- Moodiness, irritability, and depression
- Intolerance to heat or cold
- Craving of salty foods
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Term
| Secondary adrenocortical insufficiency |
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Definition
more common than primary,
occurs when corticosteroids are suddenly withdrawn during pharmacotherapy. |
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Term
Why does secondary adrenocortical insufficiency occur?
What is adrenal atrophy? |
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Definition
| When corticosteroids are taken as medication for pronlonged periods they provide negative feedback to the pituitary to stop secreting ACTH. Without stimulation by ACTH the adrnal cortex shrinks and stops secreting endogenous corticosteroids, condition known as adrenal atrophy. If medication is abruptly discontinued, the shrunken adrenal glands will not be able to secrete sufficient corticosteroids, and symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency will appear. Immediate administration of IV therapy with hydrocortisone is essential |
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