Adrenal disease Flashcards
what is addisons disease?
rare but serious condition where adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol or aldosterone
what is the function or cortisol? what does it control (4)
stress hormone, controls bp, heart function, immune, and BM
what does aldosterone do?
regulates sodium and potassium, fluid expulsion
what causes addisons (5)?
autoimmune condition where cortex of adrenal glands is attacked. other causes: cancer injuiry infection genetic
symptoms of addisons disease (5)
abdo pain abnormal periods dizziness darkened patches of skin dehydration
what is secondary adrenal insufficiency?
when pituitary galnd doesn’t produce enough ACTH which signals cortisol production
what is the everyday treatment for lacking cortisol?
hydrocortisone
what is the everyday treatment for lacking aldosertone?
fludrocortisone
what is an addisonians crisis?
acute emergency when cortisol levels drop too low, usually occurs when Addison’s is undiagnosed.
what are 4 possible causes is a crisis?
undiagnosed
poorly managed
high stress
secondary adrenal insufficiency
what are 5 symptoms of a crisis?
headache weakness hypotension tachycardia sweating
what is the treatment for a crisis?
IM hydrocortisone
fluids if hypotensive
take in!!
