Signs, Symptoms and etiology of common diseases, conditions, and injuries: ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Cushing syndrome

Symptoms: excessive fat deposits in the subscapular area and face

Etiology: most often caused by overuse of oral corticosteroid medications. Can also be caused by hyper secretion of glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex

Diagnosis: Indications of high BP, loss of muscle mass, glucose intolerance, and weight gain TX involves meds to lower levels of glucorticoids

Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Symptoms: excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, poorly healing wounds, numbness in hands and feet

Etiology: Chronic condition caused by lack of insulin production. Genetic autoimmune condition that often develops in childhood and is known commonly as juvenile diabetes (May also be considered a disorder of the lymphatic/immume system)

Diagnosis: Blood tests to evaluate glucose metabolism TX involves monitoring blood sugar levels, insulin therapy, eating a healthy diet, and managing weight

Type 2 diabetes mellitius

Symptoms: Excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, poorly healing wounds, numbness in hands and feet

Etiology: chronic condition caused by insulin resistance, due to a mix of genetics, obesity, and lifestyle choices. Typically begins in adulthood but is being seen more often in adolescents.

Diagnosis: Blood tests to evaluate glucose metabolism TX involves monitoring blood sugar levels, eating a healthy diet, and managing weight. Meds to lower blood sugar, such as metformin. Insulin will be prescribed if the disease is controlled or progresses

Hyperthyroidism

Symptoms: Sudden weight loss, rapid HB, increased appetite, anxiety, tremor, sweating, frequent bowel movements, enlarged thyroid gland

Etiology: overproduction of the thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland

Diagnosis: physical, blood tests, radioactive iodine uptake test, thyroid scans TX involves antithyroid meds, oral radioactive iodine

Hypothyroidism

Symptoms: increasing tiredness, dry skin, constipation, and weight gain

Etiology: Underproduction of the thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland

Diagnosis: Blood test measuring thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroxine TX involves use of syntheric thyroid hormone levothyroxine

Graves’ disease

Symptoms: Significant enlargement of the thyroid gland, increased heartbeat, muscle weakness, disturbed sleep, tremor, weight loss, anxiety, irritability, and bulging of the eyes

Etiology: Caused by malfunction in the body’s immune system that disrupts normal thyroid regulation, resulting in hyperthyroidism

Diagnosis: typically diagnosed by symptoms. thyroid hormone tests may also be used TX involves radioactive iodine therapy, anti-thyroid medications, beta blockers, and surgery