Dr. E. Murali Nath , Prof. V. Vikunta Rao & Dr. E. Sony Sharlet
Published: 2023-10-26
Total Pages: 197
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Causes of addisions disease include auto immune adrenalitis, Tuberculosis, fungal as well as bacterial infections, hemorrhage, medications as well as steroid withdrawal, genetic factors, adrenal gland surgery and amyloidosis. Symptoms of addisions disease are fatigue, muscle weakness, unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite, skin changes, nausea, vomition, diarrhea, constipation, orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, fainting, intense cravings for salty foods, joint pains, irritability, depression, anxiety, thinning of hair, brittle nails and hypoglycemia. Diagnosis of addisions disease is based on clinical evaluation, laboratory tests such as serum cortisol levels, ACTH stimulation stimulation test, serum aldosterone levels, electrolyte imbalance, imaging studies namely CT scan, MRI scan and additional tests namely anti-adrenal antibodies, renin levels. Differential diagnosis is dependent on adrenal insufficiency causes such as auto immune adrenalitis, tuberculosis of adrenal gland, fungal infections, genetic mutations and other endocrine disorders namely cushings syndrome, excess cortisol production ans excess aldosterone production. Differential diagnosis is related to gastro intestinal disoprders such as gastro enteritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well as auto immune diseases like systemic lupus ertythematous (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis and infections namely HIV and AIDS. Treatment of addisions disease is linked to hormone replacement therapy namely glucocorticoid replacement, mineraocorticoid replacement as well as medication dosage, stress management, monitoring regular checkups, diet modifications and lifestyle modifications. Finally it is concluded that Addisions disease is a rare but potentially serious condition that influences the adrenal glands, resulting in hormonal imbalances.