CUSHING'S SYNDROME - Assignment Example

Cushings syndrome Cushings syndrome Some conditions have significant impact in the population when they occur in society. One of such conditions is Cushings syndrome. This is a rare condition that happens when there is surplus cortisol in the body (Nieman, 2013). Cortisol is a hormone that plays a significant role in a person life. The hormone helps in responding to stressful situation and influences body tissues. The condition is more common in women as compared to men and occurs between the 20 and 40 years (Nieman, 2013).

The condition is caused by cortisol-like medications or by a tumor (Nieman, 2013). The paper will cover the symptoms and diagnostic procedure to evaluate for Cushings syndrome. There are various symptoms of the syndrome. The symptoms include increased weight, thinning skin that gets harmed easily, stretch marks that appear as reddish-purple located on the thighs, stomach, buttocks, arms, legs, and breasts (NHS, 2015). Other symptoms include fat deposits that occur in the face, weakness of muscles or bones, and loss of libido.

The affected individual may also experience mood swings, high blood pressure, irregular menses, and frequent urination (State Government of Victoria, 2015). There are various diagnostic procedures to evaluate the syndrome. The first important thing is to do a physical and visual examination to note of any change. At the same time, it will also be necessary to establish the individual medical history. The other thing is to measure the amount of cortisol in the body. This is done through urine, blood, and saliva tests (NHS, 2015).

The tests will help confirm the level of cortisol in the body. The other thing is to establish the underlying causes for the condition. The first thing is to determine whether the syndrome is as a result of increased amount of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) in the blood (NHS, 2015). The reduced level of ACTH may confirm the presence of a tumor in the adrenal glands. The best way of confirming the syndrome is through petrosal sinus sampling. It entails taking a blood sample from the veins of pituitary gland and forearm (NHS, 2015).

This is followed by comparing the level of ACTH in both samples. Sometimes x-rays and scans may be used. ReferencesNHS. (2015). Cushings syndrome. Retrieved from http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cushings-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx.Nieman, L. (2013). Cushing’s Syndrome and Cushing’s Disease. Retrieved from http://www.pituitarysociety.org/public/specific/cushing/cushings.pdf.State Government of Victoria. (2015). Cushings syndrome. Retrieved from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.

nsf/pages/Cushing%27s_syndrome.