Addison's Disease is characterized by the hyposecretion of adrenal cortex hormones, leading to decreased levels of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. This results in electrolyte imbalances, decreased vascular volume, and can be fatal if untreated. Symptoms include hypotension, tachycardia, weight loss, hyperpigmentation (bronzing), hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia, hyponatremia, and hypoglycemia. It often necessitates adrenal hormone replacement therapy, typically with corticosteroids like hydrocortisone or prednisone.
In contrast, Cushing's Syndrome is due to hypersecretion of glucocorticoids, causing elevated cortisol levels. This condition often arises from long-term glucocorticoid therapy, or adrenal or pituitary tumors. Cushing's Syndrome presents with symptoms such as hypertension, signs of heart failure, redistribution of fats (moon face, buffalo hump), excess hair, striae on the abdomen, fragile skin, peripheral edema, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypernatremia, hyperglycemia, and a decreased immune response. The primary treatments include surgical removal of adrenal or pituitary tumors, adrenalectomy, reduction or cessation of corticosteroid use, and careful monitoring and replacement of electrolytes.
Therefore, Addison's and Cushing's represent opposite spectrums of adrenal gland dysfunction, with Addison's involving insufficient cortisol production and Cushing's involving excess cortisol production. Both conditions require careful medical management and monitoring due to their serious and potentially life-threatening nature.
