Recently, Dr. Nguyen Quang Bay, Head of the Endocrinology and Diabetes Department at Bach Mai Hospital, shared the case of a 23-year-old girl from Hanoi who was hospitalized due to the misuse of a nasal spray containing corticosteroids.
Recently, the patient showed signs of weight gain, a round face, a protruding belly, and red stretch marks on her thighs and abdomen. She was constantly fatigued, so her mother took her to the Endocrinology and Diabetes Department at Bach Mai Hospital for examination.
The girl's legs developed red marks after she used the medication.
Here, doctors concluded that the patient suffered from adrenal insufficiency due to the long-term abuse of corticosteroid-containing medications.
Upon taking her medical history, the girl stated that she had suffered from rhinitis for a long time, and whenever she had a stuffy nose, she would use nasal spray, averaging 3-4 times a day.
After examining the ingredients of the nasal spray the patient brought in, the doctor discovered it contained Dexamethasone, a very strong corticosteroid. Prolonged use can easily cause many complications such as adrenal insufficiency, diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, stomach ulcers, and mental disorders. In this girl's case, the medication could also cause stunted growth and premature aging.
After listening to the doctor's explanation, the girl's mother confessed that she also frequently used this nasal spray.
What is adrenal insufficiency?
The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped endocrine glands located on top of both kidneys. Adrenal insufficiency is a rare disorder that can be caused by disease of the adrenal glands (primary adrenal insufficiency – Addison's disease) or by diseases of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, or by prolonged use of corticosteroids (secondary adrenal insufficiency).
Adrenal insufficiency is a very dangerous disease. If left untreated, it can lead to acute adrenal insufficiency with symptoms such as shock, seizures, coma, and even death. Therefore, early detection of adrenal insufficiency is crucial, enabling timely treatment, maintaining health, and improving quality of life.
Adrenal insufficiency is common in patients using corticosteroids for extended periods.
Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency
There are many symptoms used to diagnose adrenal insufficiency, but the following are common:
- The body feels tired, there is a loss of appetite, and the person feels very weak;
- Suffering from mental disorders, frequent dizziness, nausea, and vomiting;
- Frequent fevers can significantly impact daily life and health;
- There is sudden pain in the back or lower leg;
- Blood pressure is very low, heart rate is high;
- Feeling sweaty, body feeling cold;
If you experience any of the above signs and symptoms, you should promptly go to a medical facility for accurate diagnosis of the disease and its condition in order to receive timely treatment and avoid unfortunate complications.
Ways to prevent adrenal insufficiency
Doctors advise patients against self-medicating with corticosteroids. (Illustrative image)
Adrenal insufficiency is common in Vietnam, often caused by prolonged corticosteroid use, and frequently occurs in patients with asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
Doctors advise patients not to self-medicate with corticosteroids, and that while treating asthma or rheumatoid arthritis, they should consult an endocrinologist or diabetes specialist to monitor their condition and prevent adrenal insufficiency.
In cases where long-term corticosteroid use is required, patients should have regular check-ups as scheduled by their doctor or whenever they notice any unusual symptoms so that their medication and treatment plan can be adjusted accordingly.
Caring for people with adrenal insufficiency.
Adrenal insufficiency results in low hormone levels. Therefore, patients need a high-sodium diet to help their bodies function more efficiently. A high-salt diet is often recommended by doctors for patients with adrenal insufficiency.
Furthermore, the extensive use of corticosteroids in treatment can easily lead to side effects such as osteoporosis. Therefore, patients should supplement their diet with foods rich in calcium and vitamin D to help strengthen their bones.
Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/co-gai-23-tuoi-o-ha-noi-bi-suy-tuyen-thuong-than-vi-dung-thuoc-xit-mui-theo-cach-nay-172240602102301754.htm
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