Cushing Syndrome
Cushing syndrome or Cushing disease is a condition of high cortisol levels in the body. Cushing syndrome is considered an exogenous condition caused by the use of corticosteroids to treat other conditions, such as asthma or allergies. Cushing disease, on the other hand, is considered an endogenous condition caused by an increase in the production of the cortisol hormone due to adrenal hyperplasia or adenoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).
Symptoms
What To Expect
With Cushing syndrome or Cushing disease, you can expect to have hyperglycemia (high levels of sugar in the blood), edema (fluid retention), amenorrhea (lack of menstruation), buffalo hump (fat deposits on neck and abdomen), moon face (fat and round face), gynecomastia (breast growth in males), and an increase in gastric acid production.
Made Worse By
Long-term use of corticosteroids, high levels of stress, an unhealthy diet (especially high in sodium), and alcohol consumption can worsen Cushing’s syndrome.
How Common
It is a rare condition more prevalent in women between 20 and 50.
Diagnosed By
There are several ways to identify high cortisol levels in the body. One is to do a blood test, and another is to test the urine for 24 hours. In cases of endogenous Cushing disease, CT scans of the brain and abdomen may be recommended to check for adrenal hyperplasia or pituitary tumors.
Caution The use of corticosteroid drugs may cause osteoporosis. It may be recommended to prevent it with calcium or vitamin D supplements. Your doctor may also prescribe bisphosphonates (medicines that slow down the process of bone breakdown).
Products that may help Cushing Syndrome
No Herbs Found For Cushing Syndrome
References
- Hinkle, J. L., Cheever, K. H., & Overbaugh, K. (2022). Medical-surgical nursing (15th ed). Wolters Kluwer, 1479-1482.