Kidneys have many functions, some of which include filtering your blood, removing toxic materials that your body makes on a daily basis, removing extra fluid that your body does not need, adjusting all your electrolytes in your body, effecting your blood pressure, producing hormones to keep you red blood cells at normal levels, and keep your bone healthy.
What are Adrenal Glands?
The adrenal glands, also known as the suprarenal glands, are found on top of each kidney. The adrenal glands produce few hormones but two hormones Cortisol and Aldosterone are very important to talk about since they can regulate blood pressure and electrolyte adjustment in our body. Cortisol is a type of hormone that regulates every organ and tissue in the body. Aldosterone helps maintain the appropriate levels of water and salt in the body.
What is Adrenal Disease?
Adrenal gland disorders are challenging to diagnose, but if left untreated, they are life threatening and can be very deadly. Adrenal gland disorders develop when the adrenal glands produce hormone levels that are too high or too low. There are many identified adrenal gland disorders. Commonly treated adrenal disorders are Pheocromocytoma, Cushing’s syndrome, Hyperaldosteronism, and Addison’s disease. These diseases can affect a person’s blood pressure, weight, fertility, and may cause paralysis. A person’s symptoms, laboratory studies, and scan results are used to properly diagnose the adrenal disease.
How are Adrenal Diseases Treated?
A person’s treatment for adrenal disorder is decided upon the type of adrenal disease they are diagnosed with. The patient may require surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or corticosteroid therapy. Your doctor will give you specific recommendations.