Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology Study Guide

blood and tissues of the body. Signs and symptoms of hyperparathyroidism are osteoporosis, kidney stones, excessive urination, pain in the abdomen, tiredness and weakness, depression, pain in the joints and bone, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Hyperparathyroidism are categorized in two types: • Primary hyperparathyroidism: This type of hyperparathyroidism is characterized by the enlargement of one or more parathyroid glands, due to which the hormones are produced and released in excess. This causes excess amount of calcium in the blood, otherwise known as hypercalcemia. Primary hyperparathyroidism generally requires surgery for treatment. Causes of primary hyperparathyroidism are adenoma of a gland, enlargement of two or more parathyroid glands, and malignant tumor. • Secondary hyperparathyroidism: Secondary hyperparathyroidism is characterized by disorders that cause a fall in the levels of calcium in the bloodstream and an increase in the parathyroid hormones. The major causes of secondary hyperparathyroidism include severe deficiency of calcium and vitamin D, and chronic kidney failure. Hypoparathyroidism Hypoparathyroidism is a rare disorder characterized by the release of abnormally low levels of parathyroid hormones. This leads to extremely low levels of ionized calcium in the blood and bones, and high levels of serum phosphorous. Hypoparathyroidism is caused by the removal of parathyroid glands in surgery, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, extensive cancer radiation treatment of the face or neck, and low levels of magnesium in blood. Signs and symptoms of hypoparathyroidism are tingling or burning sensation in the fingertips, toes, and lips; aches and cramps in muscles of the legs, feet, face, and abdomen; twitching and spasms in the muscles in the mouth, hands, arms, and throat; fatigue and weakness; pain in menstruation; patchy hair loss; dryness and coarse skin; brittle nails; headaches; memory problems; and depression. 7.10 Alterations of Adrenal Function Cushing’s Syndrome Cushing's syndrome is characterized by the excessive exposure to the hormone cortisol for a prolonged period. Also known as hypercortisolism, Cushing's syndrome is caused by the use of oral corticosteroid. It leads to the formation of a fatty hump between the shoulders, roundness of the face, and the formation of stretch marks on the skin. Cushing's syndrome is caused by an overproduction of the cortisol hormone by one or both of the adrenal glands, or an overproduction of the adrenocorticotropic hormone that is responsible for the regulation of cortisol production. The main causes of Cushing's syndrome are pituitary gland tumor, etopic adrenocorticotropic secreting tumor, primary adrenal gland diseases, and genetic disorders. Signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome are weight gain and deposits of fatty tissues; pink or purple stretch marks on abdomen, thighs, breasts, and arm skin; thinness of the skin and high fragility that bruises easily; slow healing of cuts and infections; and acne. Other common signs are fatigue, weakness in muscles, depression, loss of

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