A young woman in her mid-20s visited the hospital for a routine checkup after noticing that her face was becoming rounder and she felt tired all the time. During the examination, Dr. Nguyen Quang Bay, Head of the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Bach Mai Hospital, discovered that she had adrenal insufficiency due to corticosteroid abuse.
The patient exhibited several symptoms, including a round face, an enlarged abdomen, atrophied limbs, and abdominal pain. Her thighs were also covered in red stretch marks, and she had a history of rhinitis. The patient had been taking a nasal spray containing Dexamethasone, a potent corticosteroid, multiple times a day for various medical conditions.
Dr. Bay diagnosed the patient with drug-induced Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, which are critical for various bodily functions such as blood sugar regulation and stress response. Corticosteroid drugs like Dexamethasone can lead to adrenal insufficiency when used excessively or incorrectly.
The Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes sees about 10 patients with adrenal insufficiency each week, often presenting with symptoms such as fatigue, bone and joint pain, edema (fluid retention), and weight gain. Many cases are identified by the characteristic “moon face” appearance caused by the condition. Adrenal Crisis is a severe complication of adrenal insufficiency that can result in death due to cardiovascular collapse if left untreated.
Corticosteroid abuse is a significant concern worldwide, with an estimated 1% of the US population regularly using these drugs for various medical conditions such as inflammatory conditions or respiratory issues. In Vietnam, the situation is exacerbated by easy access to these medications without proper medical oversight. Dr. Bay emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing the dangers of corticosteroid abuse to prevent adverse effects like adrenal insufficiency.
In conclusion, adrenal insufficiency caused by corticosteroid abuse can have severe health consequences if left untreated or misused extensively for prolonged periods.
Therefore it’s crucial to be aware of this issue and ensure that individuals receive proper diagnosis and treatment from healthcare professionals when using corticosteroids for any medical condition.
