The Onset Of The Disease

Cortisol plays a major role in the development of this disorder. It is secreted by the adrenal gland, located above the kidneys, in a precise sequence of events. The hypothalamus directs corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH) to the pituitary gland.1 CRH causes the pituitary to release adrenocorticotropin hormone(ACTH) activate the adrenal glands.1 The adrenal glands pick up the ACTH, they reciprocate by releasing cortisol in the bloodstream.1 Cortisol helps with quite a few of your body functions. Some of these functions are stress response, balancing the effects of insulin, reducing the immune system’s inflammatory response, regulating

According to http://www.webmd.com/, “the adrenal glands don't make enough of a hormone called cortisol, or less often, a related hormone called aldosterone.” That's why doctors sometimes call the illness ''chronic adrenal insufficiency,'' or hypocortisolism. “most important function is to help the body respond to stress. It also helps regulate your body's use of protein, carbohydrates, and fat; helps maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function; and controls inflammation.” Aldosterone helps your kidneys regulate the amount of salt and water in your body -- the main way you regulate blood volume and keep your blood pressure under control. When aldosterone levels drop too low, your kidneys cannot keep your salt and water levels in balance. This makes your blood pressure drop. “There are two forms of Addison's disease. If the problem is with the adrenal glands themselves, it's called primary adrenal insufficiency. If the adrenal glands are affected by a problem starting somewhere else -- such as the pituitary gland -- it's called secondary adrenal

     Addison’s disease is a disorder of the endocrine system. It is a hormonal disorder that can strike anyone, any gender at any age. Addison’s disease has also been called Adrenal Insufficiency (hypocortisolism) because the root of the disease is in the adrenal gland not producing enough of the hormone cortisol, or sometimes not enough of the hormone aldosterone to satisfy the body’s needs.

The mineralocorticoid (aldosterone) is normally released by the adrenal cortex in response to decreased sodium and increased pottasium levels; the hormonally acts to promote the retention of Na and the excretion of K. It isn't working; hence the abnormal serum levels.

A (assessment): Ms. O’Reilly’s vital signs are temperature of 37.5 C, pulse of 112, blood pressure of 102/52, and respirations of 24. Her respirations are still deep but have a regular rhythm. She has a CBS of 8.1 and regular insulin running as per orders. The lab work shows uncompensated metabolic acidosis with no hypoxia. Ms. O’Reilly’s neurological status has improved with a GSC of 13. Her dehydration is being treated with NS containing 40mEQ KCL/L running at 200ml/hr and potassium levels maintained at 4.

PHYSICAL EXAM: Temperature 98.6, Blood pressure 140/90. Pulse 110. Respirations 26. Her lungs are clear, showing mild signs of distress. Heart sounds are normal, irregular rhythm and bradycardia noted. No edema noted in extremities. Patient skin is cool to touch, slightly clammy. EEG shows prolonged QRS wave, with ischemic ST changes and PVCs. Chest radiograph clear.

Primary treatments include antibiotic therapy, Fluid resuscitation, and crystalloid. Potential treatments depending on patient status include vasopressors and steroids, ventilator, renal dialysis, blood transfusion, and surgery.

Hi Roseann. Good Job. Your Unit 7 Initial Post is very informative. Her verbal report of fatigue, bilateral lower lobe crackles, skin is cool to touch, +2 edema in bilateral ankles, and heart rate of 112 are signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure. Her medical history of high blood pressure and coronary artery disease could also lead to heart failure. My focus would be is to teach her with CHF symptom management and to prevent exacerbation. To avoid hospitalization I would educate and give her a list of preventable measures such as avoiding salts, measuring her weight every morning, and fluid restrictions. I would advise S.P to notify her doctor with weight gain over 2 pounds. Medication compliance is also important in managing her

As the second part of this reflection paper, I selected a book ‘A Short History of Disease’ by Sean Martin. He is a writer and filmmaker also known for his other famous books like The Knights Templar, Alchemy and alchemists, the Gnostics. His films include Lanterna Magicka: Bill Douglas & the secret history of cinema. The most alluring thing which conceives me to cull this book is a history of the disease, as a medical professional, it's always tantalizing to know from where all these begins and this book reaches up to my expectations as it started from the first ever recorded disease in the history of mankind. He isn’t lying when he say this a history of the disease. He starts from the earliest bacteria to evolve on the earth, long before there was anything around to infect. This book is divided into seven chapters, each chapter describes the history of diseases in a particular era. Chapter One: Prehistory, Chapter Two: Antiquity, Chapter Three: The Dark and Middle Ages, Chapter Four: The New World, Chapter

The other hormone that can be affected if diagnosed with Addison 's disease is aldosterone. Aldosterone belongs to a class of hormones known as mineralocorticoids. Aldosterone is used to maintain blood pressure and water and salt balance in the body by helping the kidney retain salt or release potassium (MedicineNet, 2011). If the aldosterone levels fall too low the kidneys are unable to regulate sodium and water levels that result in a drop of blood volume and blood pressure.

Alongside with organs, bones, and tissues, the human body also functions through hormones. Some of these hormones are produced by the adrenal glands which are located right above the kidneys. Adrenal glands produce hormones that give vital instructions to almost every organ and every tissue in your body. When someone’s adrenal glands do not produce enough amounts of certain hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone, this often leads to Addison’s Disease.

Primary Adrenal insufficiency (PAI) or Addison’s Disease, as it is more commonly known as, is defined as an insufficient production of glucocorticoids (cortisol). Cortisol is a regulatory hormone which is secreted and synthesised by the adrenal cortex of the adrenal glands (1).

The cause of Addison’s disease is the result of the adrenal glands being damaged and producing insufficient amounts of cortisol and aldosterone as well. The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys. Being part of the endocrine system, the adrenal glands produce hormones that give instructions to almost every organ and tissue in the body.

More information is required, such as dates for all occurrences and personal medical history, allowing better insight, to possible secondary causes of osteoporosis (OP).

The disease is a life-long illness that needs to be maintained everyday based on the individual’s lifestyle. Our own personal hormones fluctuate on a daily basis to keep our bodies strong and healthy. So, without the adrenal glands producing the correct amount of hormones, doctors can prescribe medication that mimics them like hydrocortisone. The dose will change based on if the patient experiences illnesses such as the common cold, flu, or other types of viral infections. The body’s innate defenses cannot fight off airborne/pathogens as efficiently as they should (Erickson et al, 2000). So the patient can take an extra dose until the symptoms are relieved. Stress plays a big role in regulating the amount of hydrocortisone taken. Patients under high amounts of stress will often require another dose. Prednisone is another drug that is prescribed as well. Prednisone is a steroid that helps Addison’s patients fight off all the nasty bacteria that we encounter in our day to day lives (Pozzilli, Lenzi, & Clarke, 2013). If the patient does not take the prescribed doses or is thrown off balance due to daily activity, it can potentially be fatal. The patient can experience an Addisonian crisis, which is fast acting and very deadly (Renz,