Cushing's syndrome is caused by Cushing'stumors secreting particular toxic substances. Cushing's syndrome can be caused by infection or other illnesses, as well as medical or surgical procedures such as anesthesia, chemotherapy, embolization, and tumor debulking. The main signs of the syndrome include flushing and diarrhea, a quick heartbeat, and bronchoconstriction. If left untreated, it can cause weight loss, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, menopause, irritable bowel disease, and asthma.
What happens when you have Cushing'ssyndrome?
Cushing syndrome, if left untreated, can cause excessive face roundness, weight gain around the middle and upper back, arm and leg thinning, easy bruising, and stretch marks. Cushing syndrome develops when your body produces an abnormally high level of the hormone cortisol over time.
Is Cushing'ssyndrome serious?
Cushing'ssyndrome is a disorder characterized by an excess of the hormone cortisol in the body. If it is not treated, it can be fatal.
What causes Cushing'ssyndrome?
Cushing's syndrome can be caused by overuse of cortisol medication, such as in the treatment of chronic asthma or rheumatoid arthritis (iatrogenic Cushing'ssyndrome), excess cortisol production from a tumor in the adrenal gland or elsewhere in the body (ectopic Cushing'ssyndrome), or a tumor of the pituitary gland secreting adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the overproduction of Corti.
Cushing's syndrome is diagnosed based on clinical suspicion along with a study of the patient's medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing to assist determine the presence of elevated cortisol levels. A patient suspected of having Cushing's syndrome must first exhibit signs of increased cortisol production, as well as an elevated 24-hour urine cortisol excretion. When analyzing the physical aspects of Cushing's syndrome, comparing old and new images can frequently indicate the distinctive changes in face and body look associated with this condition.