Difference Between Addison Disease and Cushing Syndrome

Summary  Cushing's Syndrome is any condition where there is an excess of cortisol.  Addison's Disease is primary adrenal insufficiency.  The presentation of these conditions can be predicted from the actions of the effected hormones.

1. What is the difference between Addison's disease and Cushing's disease?
2. Can Cushing's syndrome turn into Addison's disease?
3. What are the signs and symptoms of Cushing syndrome of Addison disease?
4. What is the difference between Cushing's syndrome and Cushing's disease?
5. How does Cushing's disease make you feel?
6. Why is Cushing's so hard to diagnose?
7. What does an adrenal crash feel like?
8. What were your first symptoms of Addison's disease?
9. What does an adrenal crisis feel like?
10. What does too much cortisol feel like?
11. What famous person has Cushing's disease?
12. How do you test for Cushing's syndrome?

What is the difference between Addison's disease and Cushing's disease?

Cushing's syndrome is the opposite of Addison's: it is an excess of cortisol. However, other levels of the adrenal cortex are usually not significantly affected, therefore, electrolytes are normal.

Can Cushing's syndrome turn into Addison's disease?

The findings represent, to the authors' knowledge, the first known case of a patient with coexistent functional cortisol-secreting macronodular adrenal tumor resulting in Cushing syndrome and immune-mediated adrenalitis resulting in Addison disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of Cushing syndrome of Addison disease?

Other signs and symptoms that may occur with Cushing syndrome

• Severe fatigue.
• Muscle weakness.
• Depression, anxiety and irritability.
• Loss of emotional control.
• Cognitive difficulties.
• New or worsened high blood pressure.
• Headache.
• Increased pigmentation of the skin.

What is the difference between Cushing's syndrome and Cushing's disease?

Cushing disease is a specific type of Cushing syndrome. It occurs when a pituitary tumor causes the body to make too much cortisol. Cushing disease is the most common form of endogenous (from the body) Cushing syndrome, and makes up about 70% of Cushing syndrome cases.

How does Cushing's disease make you feel?

People with Cushing's syndrome may see their face get round ("moon face"), they gain weight in unusual ways, bruise easily or feel weak, tired and sad. Women and men may also notice fertility and other problems. CS is most often found in adults between the ages of 20 and 50.

Why is Cushing's so hard to diagnose?

How is Cushing disease diagnosed? Diagnosing Cushing disease can be difficult because the symptoms can have many different causes and the elevated cortisol levels can happen in cycles. As a result, cortisol levels may not be elevated at the time of testing. Three tests are commonly used to diagnose Cushing disease.

What does an adrenal crash feel like?

Common symptoms of adrenal fatigue are thought to include: fatigue, particularly upon waking, with intermittent “crashes” throughout the day. poor stress response and mood regulation. cognitive issues or “brain fog”

What were your first symptoms of Addison's disease?

Symptoms

• Extreme fatigue.
• Weight loss and decreased appetite.
• Darkening of your skin (hyperpigmentation)
• Low blood pressure, even fainting.
• Salt craving.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Nausea, diarrhea or vomiting (gastrointestinal symptoms)
• Abdominal pain.

What does an adrenal crisis feel like?

Acute adrenal crisis is a medical emergency caused by a lack of cortisol. Patients may experience lightheadedness or dizziness, weakness, sweating, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, or even loss of consciousness.

What does too much cortisol feel like?

Cushing's may occur if the body makes too much cortisol. Symptoms include, excessive weight gain, weak muscles, high blood pressure, a tendency to bruise easily and slow wound healing. A round 'moon face' is common.

What famous person has Cushing's disease?

Harvey Cushing whose birthday was on that day. Dr. Cushing's name is commonly associated with his most famous discovery, Cushing's disease. In 1912, he reported an endocrine syndrome caused by a malfunction of the pituitary gland which he termed “polyglandular syndrome.”

How do you test for Cushing's syndrome?

If you haven't been using a corticosteroid medication, these diagnostic tests may help pinpoint the cause:

1. Urine and blood tests. These tests measure hormone levels in your urine and blood and show whether your body is producing excessive cortisol. ...
2. Saliva test. ...
3. Imaging tests. ...
4. Petrosal sinus sampling.