Endocrine Flashcards
What is Addison’s disease?
Addison’s disease is a rare disorder caused by damage to the adrenal glands, leading to insufficient production of hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens.
The adrenal glands are essential for managing stress, blood pressure, and electrolyte balance.
What triggers Addison’s disease?
autoimmune issues
infections
certain medications
What is Addison’s crisis?
life-threatening condition triggered by stress or illness,
symptoms fatigue, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, and confusion.
Immediate treatment with IV hydrocortisone and fluids is critical.
What is hyperthyroidism?
The thyroid gland produces excess T3 and T4 hormones, accelerating metabolism.
What are common causes of hyperthyroidism?
Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder.
toxic multinodular goiter
thyroid adenomas.
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
experience heat intolerance,
weight loss,
tachycardia,
tremors,
anxiety.
Severe cases can lead to thyrotoxicosis, a critical emergency characterized by fever, severe tachycardia, and potential heart failure.
What is diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus is a condition where the body struggles with insulin production or utilization, affecting blood sugar regulation.
What is the function of insulin?
After meals, the pancreas releases insulin, which binds to cell receptors, activating pathways that allow glucose to enter cells.
What are the types of diabetes mellitus?
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells.
Type 2 Diabetes beta cells don’t make enough insulin.
What is hypothyroidism?
Insufficient production of thyroid hormones (T4 and T3), crucial for metabolism and energy regulation.
What are common causes of hypothyroidism?
autoimmune destruction (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis),
iodine deficiency.
thyroid surgery.
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
fatigue,
weight gain,
cold intolerance,
bradycardia,
depression.
A severe complication is myxedemic coma, a rare but critical condition.
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
Prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels, either due to natural overproduction or chronic steroid use.
What are the symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome?
weight gain (especially in the abdomen and face),
muscle weakness,
skin changes,
hypertension,
mood alterations.
Severe cases can lead to complications like infections and cardiovascular events.
