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Cushing's Syndrome - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

By James S Pendergraft

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 25Feb2012 Word count: 569 Viewed: 17 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Today there are many different kinds of ailments and health problems. Every day new health ailments are being discovered and similarly new and better cures for some of the deadliest ailments are also being unearthed thanks to the phenomenal research in the field of medical science. It is not easy being diagnosed with a health problem and along with the treatment comes the coping with the illness. Any illness can cause many symptoms and when medication for the illness starts, the patient can end up experiencing some very unpleasant side effects. One such rare medical health condition goes by the name of Cushing's syndrome.

A rare endocrine disorder, which was first, discovered by a Dr. Cushing in the early 20thCentury and named after him, Cushing's syndrome, affects nearly 10 to 15 people in a million every year. The disorder is caused by high levels of cortisol in the blood. Also called hypercortisolism, Cushing's Syndrome is contracted when body tissues are exposed to high levels of cortisol over a long period of time. The syndrome sets in when people take glucocorticoid hormones to treat certain health problems like asthma, for which prednisone is taken. Certain other conditions for which glucocorticoid hormones are taken are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other inflammatory diseases. Cushing's syndrome is also commonly seen in dogs for which the causes are the same as in the case of humans.

Common Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome

Some of the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include:

· Sever fatigue

· Muscle weakness

· Upper body obesity

· Backache

· High blood pressure

· Elevated blood sugar levels

· Bluish red marks on skin

· Easy bruising

· Depression

· Anxiety

· Irritability

· Facial flushing

· Acne

· Rounding of the face

· Erectile dysfunction in men

Certain special symptoms in women include excessive growth of body and facial hair, irregular menstrual cycles, or the menstrual cycle coming to a complete stop. Cushing's syndrome has neurological symptoms as well, which include having difficulties with memory and neuromuscular disorders.

Causes of Cushing's Syndrome

A tumor or abnormal growth of the pituitary gland, which causes excess cortisol production in the body.

Long-term use of corticosteroid medicines as well as corticosteroid hormones.

A tumor or abnormality of the adrenal gland, which again leads to excessive cortisol production in the body.

It has even been seen that females have a higher risk of contracting the syndrome.

Treatment of Cushing's Syndrome

The course of treatment will depend on the cause of Cushing's syndrome

· Surgery may be done to remove any tumors found on the adrenal gland.

· A slow and steady withdrawal from corticosteroid medicine.

· Drugs that help suppress the adrenal gland function.

· Radiation for tumors, which are persistent in nature.

Medical science has made huge strides in the treatment for Cushing's syndrome and because of the syndrome, being so rare, exact figures and facts cannot be relied upon. All said and done, any major hospital today in any part of the world is well equipped to diagnose and treat Cushing's syndrome.

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