Adrenal Insufficiency Treatment

Adrenal glands are one of the crucial endocrine glands, located on the top portion of each kidney. The main function of adrenal glands is to secrete steroid hormones (specifically cortisol and aldosterone) and release them to the bloodstream, which are then distributed to other parts of the body. Adrenal insufficiency is a health condition, in which the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones as required by the body. Symptoms of this adrenal gland disorder may vary from one patient to another, based on which adrenal insufficiency treatment is provided. Read more on functions of adrenal glands.

Adrenal Insufficiency: Causes and Symptoms

Both genetic and environmental factors play a major role in causing adrenal insufficiency. Depending upon the underlying cause of adrenal insufficiency, it is divided into two types, namely primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency. In the former type, the adrenal glands are affected directly due to tumors, autoimmune disease or idiopathic causes. Whereas, in secondary adrenal insufficiency, the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus are affected, resulting in abnormal production of hormones that control the adrenal gland function. More on adrenal problems.

When we talk about adrenal insufficiency, Addison's disease is the most serious condition that causes life threatening symptoms like kidney failure and adrenal crisis or acute adrenal failure (at times of injury or extreme stress). Some of the notable adrenal insufficiency symptoms include:

• Increased fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Changes in mood and disorientation
• Confusion
• Low sugar level (hypoglycemia)
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Muscle pain
• Weight loss

Adrenal Insufficiency: Diagnosis and Treatment

As the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency mimic other health conditions, it is difficult to diagnose in the early stages. After examining the manifested symptoms and medical history of the patient, the physician may conduct an adrenal insufficiency test called ACTH stimulation test to check the level of blood cortisol and urine cortisol. If the ACTH test result is not abnormal, CRH stimulation test is done for confirmation of adrenal insufficiency.

As of now, there is no cure for adrenal insufficiency condition. This is primarily because the underlying cause of the disease is usually serious and cannot be reversed back. Nevertheless, there are effective methods for controlling the symptoms and the associated health complications. Adrenal insufficiency treatment is mainly focused on replacing or substituting the hormones that the adrenal glands do not produce or produce in less amounts.

Patients of secondary adrenal insufficiency experience reduced levels of cortisol, but a normal adolsterone level. For replacing the cortisol hormone, oral medication formulated with hydrocortisone, dexamethasone or prednisone are usually prescribed. The patient has to administer a specific dosage of this synthetic glucocorticoid, at least once or twice per day. In case of an adrenal crisis emergency, hydrocortisone or other glucocorticoid injections are delivered intravenously.

In case, the diagnostic result for adrenal insufficiency shows Addison's disease or very low level of adolsterone, the physician may prescribe oral medication doses containing fludrocortisone acetate. This fludrocortisone aids in maintaining the blood pressure to normal level by regulating the amount of salt excretion. Patients who receive medication for low adolsterone should increase the dietary salt intake, as per the guidelines of the doctor.

Other than the therapeutic treatments for regulating the hormonal level, the physician may recommend medication for combating the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. It is highly possible that a patient suffering from adrenal insufficiency should be administered medication throughout his or her entire life. But, with regular monitoring of the condition and correct adrenal insufficiency treatment, one can lead a healthy and normal life.