About Cushings Disease

While relatively rare, Cushing's disease nevertheless afflicts millions of people annually. It can be a debilitating disease that wreaks havoc on people's lives. Even the treatment can take a hard, physical toll. By better understanding what the disease is and what to look for, people can seek out treatment that much faster.

Identification

Cushing's is a disorder that results from consistent exposure to abnormally high levels of cortisol, sometimes known as the stress hormone.

Causes

It can be caused by either medicinal steroids or benign tumors, especially ones that damage the pituitary gland.

Symptoms

Obesity, increased fat storage around the neck, bruising easily, weakness, high blood pressure and blood sugar, and frequent urination are signs of Cushing's.

Diagnosis

Cushing's can be diagnosed through urine, blood or saliva tests.

Treatment

While it depends on the precise cause, Cushing's can be treated with surgery, drugs, chemotherapy or a combination of all three.

History

Cushing's is named after Dr. Harvey Cushing, who first documented the condition in 1932.

Resources

• National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service

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