In our body, every second there is a huge number of processes. Any failure can lead to undesirable and difficult consequences. And in our time, there is, and earlier met such a disease as acromegaly. The causes and symptoms of this pathology you will learn further. However, it should be noted that if untreated, such a disease is fatal.
General information
So, the presented disease is endocrine. That is, a person produces too much growth hormone, for which the pituitary gland is responsible. An abnormal amount of growth hormone leads to a delay or increased increase in the skeleton of a person.
Acromegaly (the causes and symptoms must be known in order to prescribe the right treatment) can develop for a very long time - for years. It doesn’t matter what gender a person has. Acromegaly disease contributes to increased production of growth hormone, as well as its uneven entry into the blood.
Reasons for the development of pathology
Now you should understand why this problem may appear. Among the most common reasons are the following:
- Heredity. In this case, the disease can manifest itself from childhood. It is characterized by the proportional development of the skeleton. Subsequently, the patient grows very large. If the pathology appeared in an adult, then certain parts of the body may increase in him.
- Pituitary tumor.
- Violations of the activity of other endocrine glands.
- Infectious diseases.
In principle, acromegaly disease can be caused by any disorder in the body.
Symptoms of pathology
They can occur specifically or in the form of secondary disorders. Among the obvious symptoms are the following:
- An increase in the facial skeleton, palms, feet. The skin grows. Particularly noticeable is an increase in the face, a change in the bite.
- The voice becomes coarser, the tongue is greatly increased, so it does not fit in the oral cavity.
- Very fast fatigue.
- Headache.
- Deterioration of sexual function in both men and women.
- Mental abilities are reduced.
If at the beginning of the disease the muscles still retain their strength, then over time they will atrophy. The skeleton is deformed, the ribs cease to be movable. This contributes to the development of bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.
It should be noted that acromegaly, the causes of which you have already found out, can trigger the development of other pathologies: diabetes mellitus, deformation of large joints, arterial hypertension. The lungs and heart can be affected. The fact is that these systems cannot provide for the growing needs of the body.
It should also be noted that in some patients during sleep a respiratory arrest was noted, as the airway was impaired.
Diagnostic Features
Acromegaly (the causes and symptoms of pathology you have already found out) must be correctly identified. To do this, you should visit the diagnostic center and endocrinologist. You will have to undergo laboratory tests: urine (for the amount of calcium), blood (for the content of phosphorus).
You will also need to do an X-ray examination, which will make it possible to see changes in the bone system. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will let you know if there are any tumor formations on the pituitary gland. It is also important to conduct an ophthalmic and neurological examination.
The endocrinologist will prescribe you an analysis of the hormones in the body. In principle, an external examination can give a lot of information to the doctor for making a diagnosis, however, all of the above studies will help to understand the causes of the disease and prescribe adequate treatment.
Stages of the development of pathology
Acromegaly (the causes and symptoms have already been clarified in this article) is slow or fast. But in any case, there are several stages of development that the patient goes through:
- It involves a weak expression of symptoms, therefore, diagnosing a pathology at this stage is not easy.
- This stage of malnutrition is characterized by a pronounced severity of symptoms.
- At this stage, tumors affect the internal organs. That is, they increase in size and are compressed.
- The most difficult stage, which is characterized by a violation of the activity of all systems, metabolism. The body is depleted, causing the patient to die.
Naturally, it is advisable not to allow the development of the last stages at which irreversible changes occur.
Complications and prognosis
Acromegaly (symptoms will help establish the correct diagnosis) is a complex disease. If left untreated, it quickly leads to death. That is, a person can die within 3-4 years of the rapid development of acromegaly. If the pathology manifests itself slowly, then the patient can live up to 30 years. However, it is treatable and the patient can fully recover.
A complication of the pathology is human disability. Enlarged organs impede the normal performance of their functions. Naturally, the activity of the body is completely disrupted. In addition, the psyche suffers. The fact is that those external changes that have already taken place remain with the person forever. This brings both physical and psychological discomfort.
Treatment
If you have acromegaly, treatment should begin immediately, before it is too late. There are 3 ways to eliminate the presented pathology:
- Traditional treatment with medications. This method is used if the organs have not undergone serious changes, and there are no tumor formations; if a person has contraindications for surgery. The doctor will offer you special drugs that will inhibit the production of growth hormone: Octreotide, Somatulin. These medications contribute to a quick regression of symptoms. Naturally, an experienced endocrinologist should prescribe such a treatment regimen, since these drugs can give strong side effects.
- Radiation therapy. It is produced if there is a tumor on the pituitary gland. Especially if it is malignant. It should be noted that the effect of such treatment will come no earlier than in 1-2 years. This method is used if drug therapy is ineffective, and surgical intervention is contraindicated. In case of visual impairment and neurology, radiation therapy is contraindicated.
- In a pinch, surgery is used. Especially if other treatments do not work, and the pathology progresses rapidly. The operation is also used in the case of a tumor that presses on the optic nerve. Today, the methodology of the intervention is being improved. Naturally, after the operation, rehabilitation is required, which takes from several months to several years.
Symptomatic treatment is also mandatory , for example, eliminating a headache, combating diabetes, lowering blood pressure.
Prevention
You already have certain knowledge on the topic: "Acromegaly: causes and symptoms" (you can see the photo in the article). It is clear that treatment must be carried out. However, you should also think about preventive measures that will help avoid the development of the presented pathology.
First of all, lead a healthy lifestyle and eat right. Do not crush all inflammatory processes or infectious diseases, but try to treat immediately. Also, see your doctor more often if you have such a need. You should also not engage in self-medication, since it can only contribute to the development of pathology and will not give any positive results.
Take all the necessary preventive medical examinations in time to help identify the disease at an early stage.
That's all. Be healthy!