Addisons Disease
Addison's disease, which is rarely seen in the society but can be seen in all age groups and in all genders, is a disorder caused by the body's inability to produce certain hormones sufficiently. The incidence of the disease has been reported as 1 in 100,000.
The approach to Addison's disease in the RTM system is quite different from the modern and other schools of medicine. Target in the RTM system; It is not to relieve symptoms by directly suppressing the symptoms of Addison's disease. It is to reveal the factors that cause this disease specific to the individual and to detect and treat the source part of the disease. In the treatment, it is aimed to restore the infrastructure that causes the disease and to ensure the normal functioning of the system.
Let's look briefly at Addison's disease…
What is Addison's Disease?
Addison's disease, also referred to as adrenal insufficiency, occurs due to the inability of the adrenal glands, located just above the kidneys, to function adequately. As a result of insufficient secretion, there is a decrease in glucocorticoid (cortisol) and mineralocorticoid (aldosterone) hormones in the blood.
Acute Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison's Crisis)
In some cases, the symptoms of Addison's disease may appear suddenly in a very short time, and this vital picture is called Acute Adrenal Insufficiency or Addison's Crisis. Addison's patients can go into an acute crisis due to an infection, physical stress and injury, and in this case, urgent medical attention is required.
What are the Symptoms of Acute Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison's Crisis)?
Because the Addisonian Crisis is life-threatening, it is necessary to seek immediate medical attention when the following symptoms are observed.
High level of fluid loss to disrupt metabolic systems (Dehydration)
sweating, fever
The skin is cold, pale and moist
heavy breathing
Headache and dizziness
vomiting and/or diarrhea
muscle weakness, numbness
Loss of consciousness
What Causes Addison's Disease?
It is possible to examine Addison's disease under two different headings.
Primary adrenal insufficiency:
Although it can be caused by various reasons such as bleeding in the adrenal gland, tuberculosis, infection, it is dependent on the immune system with a rate of 70%.
Secondary adrenal insufficiency:
It develops in association with a decrease in the production of the pituitary hormone ACTH. In ACTH deficiency caused by a pituitary tumor or another reason, cortisol production is not stimulated and aldosterone production is generally unaffected.
What Are the Symptoms of Addison's Disease?
Depending on the function of the hormone that is deficient, the symptoms of the disease also vary. Cortisol hormone is secreted by the adrenal glands due to stress. Its most important task is to support the body's response to stress. On the other hand, it is also responsible for regulating the use of fat, protein, and carbohydrates in the body. It maintains blood pressure and cardiovascular functions.
The aldosterone hormone is the hormone that is effective in removing potassium from the kidney and reabsorption of sodium, secreted from the outer part of the adrenal glands, and balancing the electrolyte in the body. As a result of a significant decrease in aldosterone, dehydration and low blood pressure occur because the kidneys cannot keep the water and salt levels in balance.
The symptoms of Addison's disease usually develop gradually and can become severe over time. Symptoms that are mild at first may go unnoticed until they become severe, often due to stress such as another illness or injury. Some of the most common findings are listed below.
Decreased appetite and weight loss
Weakness, fatigue
Joint and muscle pains
Sugar drop (Hypoglycemia)
Drop in blood pressure (Hypotension)
Darkening of the skin color in certain areas (Hyperpigmentation)
fainting, loss of consciousness
Increased salt consumption
Nausea and abdominal pain
Diarrhea and vomiting
irritable or depressed mood
shedding of body hair
sexual dysfunctions
Who Gets Addison's Disease?
Addison's disease, which is rare, can be seen at any age and in any gender, starting from infancy. It is mostly seen in people who have had early menopause, those with anemia, and those with type 1 diabetes. In addition, when compared to healthy individuals, those with insufficiency or inflammation of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, and those with Vitiligo and Grave's disease are at greater risk.
How Is Addison's Disease Diagnosed?
First of all, an evaluation of the patient's medical history and symptoms is made. Certain blood tests and imaging of the adrenal glands may be required to evaluate the hormones secreted from the adrenal glands in order to diagnose Addison's.
Approach to Addison's Disease in the RTM System
Cause of Addison's Disease in the RTM System
Our body is in a constant balance against internal and external factors. With this balance, life continues by developing. The RTM System includes its own diagnostic and treatment protocols.