lisämunuaisvajeesta

Lisämunuaisvaje, or adrenal insufficiency, is a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough essential hormones, primarily cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including regulating metabolism, immune response, blood pressure, and stress response.

The most common cause of adrenal insufficiency is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the adrenal glands. Other causes can include infections like tuberculosis, certain medications, bleeding into the adrenal glands, or cancer. A less common form, secondary adrenal insufficiency, occurs when the pituitary gland in the brain fails to produce enough adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which signals the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.

Symptoms can vary depending on the severity and can develop gradually or appear suddenly. Common signs include fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, dizziness, and abdominal pain. In more severe cases, known as an adrenal crisis, symptoms can rapidly worsen and include vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, and loss of consciousness, requiring immediate medical attention.

Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure hormone levels, particularly cortisol and ACTH, and sometimes stimulation tests to assess the adrenal glands' response. Treatment usually involves hormone replacement therapy with synthetic corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone or prednisone, to mimic the body's natural hormone production. In cases of aldosterone deficiency, a mineralocorticoid like fludrocortisone may also be prescribed. Individuals with adrenal insufficiency often need to carry a medical alert bracelet and have an emergency injection of a corticosteroid readily available.