Addison’s Disease and Cushing’s Syndrome
Q1. What are the three tests used to diagnose Cushing’s syndrome?
Ans: Measurement of free cortisol in 24-hour urine (UFC), cortisol suppressibility by low doses of dexamethasone (DST), and assessment of cortisol circadian rhythm using late-night serum and/or salivary cortisol are the three first-line diagnostic tests now used to screen for CS.
Q2. What organ is damaged in Addison’s disease?
Ans: Two tiny glands called the adrenal glands are located above the kidneys. They generate cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenaline, which are all necessary hormones. The adrenal gland is harmed in Addison’s disease, which results in insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production.
Q3. Can stress cause Addison’s disease?
Ans: Acute adrenal insufficiency, often known as Addisonian crisis, is what this is. When your body is agitated, this may happen. There are a variety of causes for that, including illness, fever, surgery, or dehydration.
Q4. Who is most affected by Cushing’s disease?
Ans: Only 10 to 15 people per million are affected by the rare disorder Cushing disease each year. Those between the ages of 20 and 50 are most frequently affected, and women are more likely to experience it. The most prevalent cause of Cushing illness is a pituitary adenoma. A pituitary growth called an adenoma is nearly often benign.
Q5. What organ does Cushing’s syndrome affect?
Ans: Overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone by the pituitary gland results in Cushing illness (ACTH). An endocrine system organ is the pituitary gland. A manifestation of Cushing syndrome is Cushing disease.
Difference Between Addison’s Disease and Cushing’s Syndrome
The main distinction between Addison syndrome and Cushing’s disease is that Cushing’s syndrome exhibits an excess of cortisol while Addison’s disease exhibits a hormonal deficiency of cortisol and aldosterone. To correctly diagnose and treat Addison’s disease and Cushing’s syndrome, it’s critical to understand their differences. The hypofunction of the adrenal gland, which may be brought on by primary adrenocortical insufficiency or a lack of pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release, is the underlying cause of Addison’s disease. On the other hand, overproduction of the hormone cortisol in the body results in Cushing’s syndrome. Let’s have a glance at both topics in detail.
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