Addisons disease ppt for nursing students
Addison disease is when the adrenal glands don't make enough of two steroid hormones. The hormones are cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol controls the body's metabolism, blocks inflammatory reactions, and affects the immune system. Aldosterone manages sodium and potassium levels. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys. There is one gland on top of each kidney. Addison disease is fairly rare and may first appear at any age. Show
What causes Addison disease in a child?The most common cause of Addison disease is damage to the outer part of the adrenal gland from an autoimmune reaction. This is when special proteins called antibodies attack normal tissue as if it was strange. Other cases of Addison disease are caused by the damage to the glands by any of these:
In rare cases, Addison disease is passed down in a family. Other causes of low corticosteroids can include:
Which children are at risk for Addison disease?A child is at risk for Addison disease if they have any of these:
What are the symptoms of Addison disease in a child?Mild symptoms may only occur when a child is under physical stress. Symptoms may include:
The symptoms of Addison disease can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees their healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is Addison disease diagnosed in a child?The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. They may also ask about your family’s health history. Your child will have a physical exam and blood tests. These tests are done to check corticosteroid and potassium levels. How is Addison disease treated in a child?The goal of treatment is to replace the hormones and to relieve the symptoms. Addison disease can be life-threatening. Because of this, treatment often starts right away with corticosteroid medicine. This medicine may be taken by mouth. Or it may be given by IV. It depends on how sick your child is. In most cases, corticosteroid medicine must be taken for life. Treatment may also include a medicine that helps manage the body's levels of sodium and potassium. What are possible complications of Addison disease in a child?If left untreated, Addison disease may lead to:
Severe complications are most likely to occur when the child is under physical stress. Lack of adrenal hormones may also cause:
Helping a child live with Addison diseaseAddison disease is a lifelong condition that needs lifetime treatment. Stressful events such as surgery, infection, or injury can cause severe symptoms of Addison disease. This is because corticosteroids help the body fight infection and stay healthy during physical stress. Talk with your child’s healthcare provider if your child needs surgery. Get medical care for your child right away if they:
Your child should wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. Managing your child’s chronic illness can be stressful for all members of the family. Let your healthcare provider know if you, your child with Addison disease, or other family members need help dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial issues that the illness can cause. When should I call my child's healthcare provider?Call your child's healthcare provider if your child has any symptoms of Addison disease. If your child has Addison disease, talk with your child’s healthcare provider if your child needs surgery. Get medical care for your child right away if they:
Key points about Addison disease in a child
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
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