Cushing's syndrome is a rare disorder of the hormones in your body. It often causes pink stretch marks on the abdomen and arms, thin skin and trouble healing wounds. A higher than normal sodium level is also possible. If you think you have Cushing's syndrome, your doctor will perform a blood test to find out. Do not adjust your diet or medication unless you speak with your doctor first regarding your concerns.
Cushing's Syndrome Explained
Cushing's syndrome is caused when your body is overexposed to the hormone cortisol. There are a number of ways that the exposure can occur. Taking corticosteroids can cause the production of the hormone. Your body can have a tumor on the pituitary gland, the adrenal gland or somewhere else entirely that produces cortisol. These tumors can either be malignant or benign. Some symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic, are fat deposits around the upper back, face and neck. These will show as the classic moon face, or round face, and buffalo hump, or fatty neck lump, that are classic signs of the syndrome.
Cushing's Syndrome and Sodium
One symptom of Cushing's syndrome is high sodium levels that lead to high blood pressure. According to "Critical Care Nephrology," the excess cortisol affects the body by retaining sodium and water and wasting potassium. This can cause electrolyte imbalances in the body and lead to blood pressure problems that you may not be aware of until you visit your doctor. For this reason, if you suspect you may have Cushing's syndrome, see your doctor and have yourself thoroughly screened.
Treatments for Cushing's Syndrome
The treatments for Cushing's syndrome are dependent on the underlying causes. If you are taking corticosteroids for another condition, you may be able to adjust your dosage to control your Cushing's symptoms and still have adequate relief from your original disease. Do not stop taking your medications without the advice of your doctor. Steroids must be tapered off, and stopping them abruptly can be dangerous. If your symptoms are caused by a tumor secreting hormones, you may need surgery to remove the tumor. Afterwards, you may need to take hormones to regulate any that are missing as a result of the surgery. There are also medications, such as ketoconazole, to control cortisol production either before or in place of surgery.
Low Sodium Diet
If you have Cushing's syndrome and high blood pressure, your doctor may ask you to eat a low-sodium diet. Your doctor will tell you how much sodium to have in your diet, but the McKinley Health Center recommends less than 2,300mg per day. It is important to exercise caution in adding salt to foods, but the most important step is to read food labels. Many foods contain hidden amounts of sodium that can quickly derail a low-sodium diet. Choose foods that are fresh or that indicate they have been packaged without salt. Instead of using pre-packaged meals, try cooking your foods yourself to control how much salt goes into them. This will go a long way towards managing your sodium intake.
