Juliet Cohen writes articles for online medical clinic and diseases treatment. She also writes articles on skin disorders.
Cushing’s Syndrome – Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
December 28th, 2009
Cushing’s syndrome is a rare endocrine disorder caused by high levels of cortisol in the blood. Sometimes called “hypercortisolism. It is relatively rare and most commonly affects person aged 20 to 50. An estimated 10 to15 of every million people are affected each year. 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 and other inflammatory diseases, or for immunosuppression after transplantation. Cushing’s syndrome is also a relatively common condition in domestic dogs in which causes are the same as the syndrome in humans, and in horses, (where it is almost invariably caused by pituitary neoplasia) characterised by a long, tightly curled coat which does not shed and abnormal fat deposition. The syndrome in horses leads to weight loss, polyuria and polydipsia and may cause laminitis.
Cushing’s disease is the name given to a type of Cushing’s Syndrome caused by too much ACTH production in the pituitary. The most common cause of Cushing’s syndrome is the use of oral corticosteroid medication. Common symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome include upper body obesity, severe fatigue and muscle weakness, high blood pressure, backache, elevated blood sugar, easy bruising, and bluish-red stretch marks on the skin. Risk factors for Cushing syndrome are adrenal or pituitary tumors, long-term therapy with corticosteroids, and being female. 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. Cortisol performs vital tasks in the body. It helps maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function, reduces the immune system’s inflammatory response, balances the effects of insulin in breaking down sugar for energy, and regulates the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
Common findings on routine laboratory tests in people with Cushing’s Syndrome include a higher white blood count, a high blood sugar (often into the diabetic range), and a low serum potassium. One of cortisol’s most important jobs is to help the body respond to stress. Some rare tumours in other parts of the body sometimes make ACTH. For example, some types of lung cancer. The ‘ectopic’ ACTH then stimulates the adrenals to make too much cortisol. People suffering from depression, alcoholism, malnutrition and panic disorders also have increased cortisol levels. Treatments for Cushing’s syndrome are designed to lower the high level of cortisol in your body. Cushing’s syndrome is treated by restoring a normal balance of hormones. Cushing syndrome caused by an adrenal tumor is usually treated by surgical removal of the tumor.Hormone supplements are usually given before surgery and must be taken for weeks and sometimes months after surgery, until the second gland recovers normal function. Medications to control excessive production of cortisol include ketoconazole (Nizoral), mitotane (Lysodren) and metyrapone (Metopirone). Medical therapy is also sometimes used before surgery for people who are very sick.
Treatment for Cushing’s disease Tips
1. Cushing’s syndrome is treated by restoring a normal balance of hormones.
2. Cushing syndrome is usually treated by surgical removal of the tumor.
3. Hormone supplements are usually given before surgery and must be taken for weeks and sometimes months after surgery, until the second gland recovers normal function.
4. Medications to control excessive production of cortisol include ketoconazole (Nizoral), mitotane (Lysodren) and metyrapone (Metopirone).
5. Radiation therapy-Radiation can be given in small doses over a six-week period, or by a technique called stereotactic radiosurgery or gamma-knife radiation.
6. Chemotherapy – radiation treatments of the pituitary gland (to weaken it and lower its output of ACTH) – or removal of any benign growths of the pituitary gland.
7. Adrenal adenomas are always treated by surgically removing the tumor with either an abdominal or side (flank) incision.
Hyperaldosteronism – Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
December 28th, 2009
Primary aldosteronism, also termed Conn syndrome. This increased secretion is caused by an abnormality within the gland. Primary hyperaldosteronism accounts for less than one percent of all cases of hypertension. Hyperaldosteronism can be caused by a tumor (usually a noncancerous adenoma) in the adrenal gland (a condition called Conn’s syndrome). The adrenal glands are orange-colored endocrine glands that are located on the top of both kidneys. The adrenal glands are triangular shaped and measure about one-half inch in height and three inches in length. Sometimes hyperaldosteronism is a response to certain diseases, such as very high blood pressure (hypertension). High aldosterone levels can lead to low potassium levels. Low potassium levels often produce no symptoms but may lead to weakness, tingling, muscle spasms, and periods of temporary paralysis. PH occurs worldwide. This appears particularly true of the IAH variant of the disease. It is more common in females than males.
Hyperaldosteronism can occur at any age, but most commonly when a person is in their 30s and 40s. Secondary hyperaldosteronism is generally related to hypertension (high blood pressure). It is also related to disorders such as cardiac failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and nephrotic (kidney) syndrome. In these disorders, various mechanisms from the individual disease cause the level of the hormone to be elevated. A renin producing tumour leads to increased aldosterone, as the body’s aldosterone production is normally regulated by renin levels. A neonatal idiopathic form of hyperaldosteronism has been described that presents with functional gastrointestinal tract symptoms associated with hypokalemia and hypertension. Constipation, muscle weakness (sometimes to the point of periodic paralysis), excessive urination, excessive thirst, headache, and personality changes are also possible symptoms. Some patients will show no obvious symptoms. There are several causes for this condition, including primary adrenal insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and medications.
Primary hyperaldosteronism resulting from an adenoma (tumor) is usually treated surgically. Medications used to treat hyperaldosteronism are the diuretic (”water pill”) spironolactone (Aldactone; Aldactazide) or eplerenone (Inspra), which blocks aldosterone action. Medical therapy is also a viable treatment option in patients who have lateralizable disease. It is also a viable treatment option in the rare setting of bilateral functional adrenal adenomas that would otherwise require bilateral adrenalectomy. GRA is treated with small doses of glucocorticosteroids (ie, hydrocortisone, prednisone). At optimal doses, glucocorticosteroids normalize aldosterone and blood pressure. Various antihypertensives may be added to achieve adequate blood pressure control. Spironolactone can usually control the symptoms, and drugs for high blood pressure are readily available. Blood pressure elevation needs to be controlled and monitored by frequent blood pressure measurements.
Juliet Cohen writes articles for online medical clinic and diseases treatment. She also writes articles on skin disorders.
Zollinger Ellison Syndrome – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods
December 27th, 2009
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) is a rare condition characterized by peptic ulcers that are refractory to conventional medical therapy. ZES is caused by a non–beta islet cell, gastrin-secreting tumor of the pancreas that stimulates the acid-secreting cells of the stomach to maximal activity, with consequent gastrointestinal mucosal ulceration. Physicians diagnose ZES through blood tests to measure levels of gastrin and gastric acid secretion. Gastrin works on stomach parietal cells causing them to secrete more hydrogen ions into the stomach lumen. In addition, gastrin acts as a trophic factor for parietal cells, causing parietal cell hyperplasia. It produces enzymes that break down fat, protein, and carbohydrates from food, and hormones like insulin that break down sugar. Patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome may experience abdominal pain and diarrhea. The diagnosis is also suspected in patients without symptoms who have severe ulceration of the stomach and small bowel.
The ulcers caused by ZES are generally more painful and less responsive to treatment than ordinary peptic ulcers. The disease may occur at any time, but the average age at diagnosis is 50. The primary tumor is usually located in the duodenum, the pancreas, and abdominal lymph nodes, but ectopic locations have also been described (eg, heart, ovary, gall bladder, liver, kidney). Other characteristics of ZES ulcers include a size larger than 2 cm, occurrence at multiple locations, and a refractory behavior to conventional therapy. About one-half to two-thirds of single gastrinomas are malignant tumors that most commonly spread to the liver and lymph nodes near the pancreas and small bowel. The syndrome is serious and potentially life-threatening because the tumours producing the gastrin may spread. Most often, treatment for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome consists of medications to reduce acid and heal the ulcers.
Causes of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
The common causes and risk factor’s of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome include the following:
The exect causes of zollinger-ellison syndrome is unknown.
A non–beta islet cell, gastrin-secreting tumor of the pancreas that stimulates the acid-secreting cells of the stomach to maximal activity, with consequent gastrointestinal mucosal ulceration.
This disease could also be associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type I, also known as MEN I.
Symptoms of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Some symptoms related to Zollinger-Ellison syndrome are as follows:
Nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Gastrointestinal bleeding.
Weight loss.
Difficulty in eating.
Abdominal pain.
Fatigue.
Yellow fat in stool.
Heartburn.
Treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Here is list of the methods for treating Zollinger-Ellison syndrome:
A class of acid-suppressing medications called proton pump inhibitors (for example, omeprazole, lansoprazole) is now the first choice of treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
If the tumors are big enough, the doctor may choose to perform surgery to remove the tumors.
Removing as much of a liver tumor as possible (debulking).
Doctors may also prescribe medications known as H2-blockers, such as Tagamet, Pepcid, and Zantac. However, these medications don’t work as well to reduce stomach acid.
For malignant tumors, radiation and chemotherapy may be offered.
Juliet Cohen writes articles for diseases cure and health care information. She also writes articles on skin diseases.
Alopecia or Why People Go Bald
December 27th, 2009
The causes of hair loss are diverse and many of them are investigated insufficiently. It is assumed that premature hair loss is programmed genetically, and that its degree is determined by expressiveness of corresponding genes. Thus hair follicles decrease in size under the influence of male hormones when the period of puberty is over. The quantity of them does not decrease until late stages of baldness, but still hair becomes so small that are not visible to the naked eye.
Among women the cause of hair loss can be an hyper-sensitivity to male hormones or their increased amount in the body because of the following diseases: polycystic ovaries, congenital dysfunction of cortex of adrenal glands, Cushing syndrome, tumours of adrenal glands and ovaries.
Symptomatic alopecia can accompany many hardly proceeding acute and chronic diseases and it also can be connected with intoxication, metabolic disorders, disharmonosises. Alopecia, or hair loss, rather often occurs in case of syphilis, diseases of circulatory system, avitaminosises (especially A, C and B), lingering fever (for example, malaria), chemo- and radiotherapy of cancer patients, hypothyroidism and other endocrine diseases after carrying out of extensive surgical interventions, or hardly proceeding labor. A number of medications can also cause intensive loss of hair. Among them are: antineoplastic preparations, colchicine, antiepileptic preparations, antithyroid agents, heavy metals, anticoagulative preparations (heparin, coumarin).
Lupus erythematosus, deep pustular (furuncules, carbuncles) or fungoid (favus, trichophytosis) affection of the scalp can also be the cause of cicatricial alopecia.
There are two basic mechanisms in the process of hair loss development: loss of hair in a phase anagen (active growth of a hair follicle) and loss of hair during the period of telogen (when growth of a follicle stops). The first type of hair loss is marked in case of direct damage of the extremely sensitive growth cells of follicles (for example, ionizing radiation of beam therapy). As the result, the bulb of hair makes thinned core, which is gradually pointed and becomes very fragile. Hair drops out or collapses at the slightest influence. Duration of the second phase, the phase of telogen, makes about 3 months, in the end of which hair drops out “physiologically”.
Devin Greenfield is a connoisseur of natural hair loss treatments who writes for regrow-hair.org where you can learn more about natural hair regrowth. You can also read about the benefits of natural hair loss products and buy them at Natural Hair Loss Treatment Store
Causes and Treatment of Hypertension
December 26th, 2009
Hypertension can be classified either essential (primary) or secondary. Essential hypertension indicates that no specific medical cause can be found to explain a patient’s condition. Secondary hypertension indicates that the high blood pressure is a result of (i.e., secondary to) another condition, such as kidney disease or tumours (pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma). Persistent hypertension is one of the risk factors for strokes, heart attacks, heart failure and arterial aneurysm, and is a leading cause of chronic renal failure.
Cause and Pathogenesis
The cause of primary (essential) hypertension is not known. It is thought to be due to multiple risk factors. Known risk factors include a familial history of the disease, race, obesity, tobacco smoking, stress, and a high-fat or high-sodium diet in genetically susceptible individuals. Extremely nervous and highly emotional people also tend to develop hypertension more readily. Secondary hypertension is related to an underlying disease process such as renal parenchymal disorders , renal artery disease, endocrine and metabolic disorders, central nervous system disorders, and narrowing of the aorta (coarctation).
Causes Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary hypertension results from constriction, or tightening, of the blood vessels that supply blood to the lungs. Consequently, it becomes difficult for blood to pass through the lungs, making it harder for the heart to pump blood forward. This stress on the heart leads to enlargement of the heart and eventually fluid can build up in the liver and tissues, such as the in the legs. Affected patients can sometimes notice increasing shortness of breath and dizziness.
What are the symptoms of Hypertension?
If you have hypertension, chances are that you may not have any symptoms at all. Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because most people who have it do not feel sick, but if left uncontrolled, it can lead to a heart attack or kidney disease. This is why it is so important to treat hypertension even if you feel fine. Many people can keep their hypertension under control by making some changes in their daily activities, such as increasing exercise and eating a healthier diet. Other people may need to take medicine in addition to diet and/or exercise.
Hypertension Treatment
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is dangerous because it can lead to strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, or kidney disease. The goal of hypertension treatment is to lower high blood pressure and protect important organs, like the brain, heart, and kidneys from damage. Treatment for hypertension has been associated with reductions in stroke (reduced an average of 35%-40%), heart attack (20%-25%), and heart failure (more than 50%), according to research.
Treating high blood pressure can help prevent serious — even life-threatening — complications. Your doctor also may suggest steps to control conditions that can contribute to high blood pressure, such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
The treatment for secondary pulmonary hypertension usually begins with treating the underlying cause. For instance, if a blood clot, or pulmonary embolism, is causing the hypertension, the clot may need to be surgically removed.
For individuals with hypertension, lifestyle modifications as mentioned above are important but many times, medications will also be needed to adequately manage blood pressure. Many types of drugs are used to lower blood pressure.
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Antiperspirants, Aluminium , Parabens& Breast Cancer
December 26th, 2009
Breast cancer has been on the rise for over half a century. Only 5-10% of breast cancer is genetic, leaving up to 90% from the environment and lifestyle. Studies indicate that deodorants / antiperspirants play a major role in the increase of breast cancer cases. This article will talk about the parabens that occur in deodorants / antiperspirants and the role it plays in the growth of breast cancer tumors.
What are Parabens?
Parabens are used as preservatives in many thousands of cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products to which we are exposed. Parabens are permitted as preservatives in food up to 0.1%. In cosmetics, parabens are permitted in concentrations of up to 1%.
It is safe to say that if you use cosmetic products, you are using products that contain parabens.
Aluminium and parabens have been considered as safe for many years, however this has changed in the last few decades. Currently, there is evidence of the endocrine (hormonal system), reproductive and developmental effects of aluminium and parabens.
Seemingly, they don’t and I wonder if that’s why my three friends died of breast cancer and all those women had aluminium and parabens in their tumours. What do you think?
Aluminium and parabens are absorbed through the skin and can then be stored in the body. Once aluminium and parabens are in the body it affects the hormonal system by mimicking oestrogen, the hormone that promotes cell growth. The promotion of cell growth link aluminium and parabens with cancer, and in the context of this article, breast cancer.
Learn more facts and information about aluminium and parabens, breast cancer
Studies in recent years have highlighted a possible link between the aluminium and parabens used in antiperspirants and deodorants and breast cancer in women.
Depression
December 25th, 2009
Depression
Monika Nigam
Introduction:
Human nature varies throughout the world. The perception and understanding of the situation by an individual depends upon diverse issues. Grasping and tackling these matters require intellect and prior experiences, but occasionally situation turn out to be beyond the controls and this leads to hopelessness, despair and anguish called depression. The condition if ignored becomes devastating. Depression is severe medical condition that engrosses the body, mood and thoughts. It can affect person’s outlook, routine activities, behaviour and conduct. It can change the overall personality. Individual(s) with such illness cannot simply “put themselves together” and get better
Reasons that sow the seed of depression:
In this competitive epoch and demanding life, stress cannot be evaded. Every single person is striving to meet the challenges and prove one’s worth; unable to do so germinates the seed of depression. As a result, depression is becoming prevalent, affecting 1 in 8 people in a population. It is irrespective of colour, caste, creed, economy, age etc; studies show that it affects females more than males. It is a multifactorial condition, contributed by genetics, environment, events in life, socio-economic reasons, any medical condition(s) and the reaction of an individual to situation
Genetics: Some individual get this in their inheritance although it doesn’t always hold true as some individuals even though they receive in their genes, show no signs of the same while others despite of no family history show severe symptoms of depression.
Environment: the phenotypic characteristics of an individual are the implications of environment. Reaction to a particular situation and taking hold on the same not only demands intelligent but also exposure that environment provides.
Life events: the demise of a close member either in a family or a friend or separation of parents, changing school of kids all these can be the contributing factors for depression.
Family and Social Environment: the family atmosphere is the vital part of life, after facing the stress outside; the cosy, comfortable and motivating atmosphere puts together all the lost energy to face out all the defies. Any compromised living condition like poverty, homelessness and violence, may affect the self-esteem of a person and can build up the situation of depression.
Medical Conditions: Numerous medical conditions, especially that affecting hormone balance and alter mood can cause depression e.g. hypothyroidism. Treatment of these medical conditions relieves depression. At teens hormonal changes affect the school performance and cause depression.
How the brain responds to depression:
Brain is a complex network of nerve cells. The message between these nerve cells is communicated by the chemicals called neurotransmitters. Some of these neurotransmitters regulate mood and their decreased or inhibited level (or interruption of anatomical pathways in brain or as a consequence of treatment with certain drugs) bring anxiety, stress and depression. In such cases depression may be referred as an organic mood disorder. Balance of neurotransmitters is affected by stress.
Organic Affective Disorder: These are the diseases that may cause affective disorders by direct action on the brain.
1.Neurological: Cerebrovascular disease, Cerebral tumour, Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s
disease, Huntington’s chorea, Alzheimer’s disease, Epilepsy.
2.Endocrine: Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease,
Hyperparathyroidism.
3. Infections: Glandular fever, Herpes simplex, Brucellosis, Typhoid, Toxoplasmosis.
4. Connective tissue disease: Systemic lupus erythematosus
5. Malignant disease
6. Drugs: Reserpine, Phenothiazines, Phenylbutazone, Corticosteroids, oral contraceptives,
Interferon
7. Organic cause for Psychiatric Disorder
Types of Depression: three main depressive disorders are-
Major Depression: also called as major depressive disorder (MDD). One of the major reasons for suicide and disability is depression. The result could be either due to medical illness or due to unexplained symptoms. The day-to-day activities are affected especially the capability to work, sleep, eat and take pleasure in any kind of entertainment. It can occur only once but is episodic. Chronic condition may necessitate indefinite treatment. Dysthymia: also called as dysthymic disorder. It could be enduring, though not disabling but protect the proper functioning and to sense good. Individuals suffering from Dysthymia may also experience major depressive disorders during their lives. Bipolar disorder: also called as maniac-depressive illness. The major symptoms are cycling mood changes like a wave. There could be severe highs called as mania and lows called as depression, flanked by intermittent normal mood. When the individual is in depressed mood then it depicts all the symptoms of depression on the contrary when in the manic cycle, the individual may be overactive, overwhelming with energy, over- talkative. It is because of this behaviour the thinking ability, judgement for a particular situation and also social deeds are badly influenced. This brings serious inconveniences and embarrassment.
Symptoms of Depression: There is a disparity in the symptoms among the individuals and also there is a discrepancy between the sexes. Depression is present in quarter to half of all medical patients (Davidson’s principle and Practice of Medicine). They can be categorized as:
Psychological
Importunate sad, worried or empty mood Reduced self-esteem Feeling of hopeless, pessimism Feeling of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed (anhedonia) Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts
Somatic
Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed down” Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions Trouble sleeping, early morning awakening or over sleeping Appetite and /or weight changes Restlessness, retardation and irritability Persistent headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain that do not respond to routine treatment. Loss of libido Bowel disturbance
Management & Treatment: Depression is treatable. First step is realization (find out patient’s concerns and also provide an appropriate explanation and reassurance) and physical examination to prevent the onset of other symptoms. Secondly, a differential diagnosis is important as depression is outcome of adverse circumstances in vulnerable persons. The imperative part is differentiation of an adjustment disorder with depressed mood from depressive disorder. Adjustment disorders are transient reactions to adversity. Whereas, depressive disorders are characterised by more severe and persistent mood disturbance.
Medication and short-term psychotherapies including “talking” therapies are effective for the treatment of depression. Severe and recurrent conditions of illness require a combination of treatment for best outcome. The treatment may have to be continued once a person starts feeling better.
Depression has some correlation with the ageing; it could be implicated with the illness, loss of memory and forgetfulness, feeling lonely or may be other psychological reasons. The psychotherapy of the patients and creating positivity in them help them to come out of depression and suicidal tendency.
It is my personal experience that if the factors causing depression in the person are not reminded to him rather reminding all the positive things what he has and what he is worth for brings lost confidence and zeal to live a great life! The close members’ understanding plays a very crucial role, as constant feeding of positivity and maintaining a joyful and encouraging atmosphere can keep the patient away from depression and suicidal thoughts and he will understand the significance he has in others life and how important he is for the society!
Monika Nigam