Acromegaly disease: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc.

Definition

What is acromegaly?

Acromegaly is a hormonal disease caused by excess growth hormone. This causes the skin and bones on the head, face, arms and legs to grow faster than the body, resulting in a larger body size than normal people.

Physical changes occur more slowly and can go undetected for years. If left untreated, acromegaly can lead to serious complications.

If it occurs in a child who is still growing, this condition causes gigantism.

How common is acromegaly?

In fact, acromegaly is a rare disease. Usually acromegaly occurs in middle-aged adults and occurs in both men and women. Discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of acromegaly?

Common signs and symptoms of acromegaly are the bones in your hands, feet, head and face that are larger than your body.

In addition, this disease also causes several symptoms such as:

• Thickened, oily, and rough skin
• Excessive sweating and body odor
• Tired and weak muscles
• A voice that becomes hoarse or hoarse
• Enlarged tongue
• Joint pain and limited joint motion;
• Enlargement of organs
• Headache
• Decreased vision; Numb and tingling fingers
• Changes in the menstrual cycle in women
• Impotence in men
• The distance between the gums widens
• Snoring while sleeping

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Acromegaly is a disease that must be treated quickly and appropriately. Therefore, you should contact your doctor if you experience the following symptoms:

• Swollen and large limbs, muscle weakness or muscle paralysis.
• There are parts of the lips, nose, tongue that start to grow bigger and swell more than usual
• The distance between the roots of your teeth is wider than normal teeth;
• Impaired vision, excessive headaches, numbness or nerve pain, and chest pain.

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes acromegaly?

The cause of acromegaly is an overproduction of growth hormone. The most common cause of overgrowth hormone is a benign pituitary tumor.

However, tumors in other parts of the body, such as tumors of the pancreas, lung, or adrenal glands, can also secrete excess growth hormone, resulting in acromegaly.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for acromegaly?

Things that can put you at risk for acromegaly are having a history of pituitary tumors or other tumors that might increase growth hormone production.

Complications

What are the complications that can arise if acromegaly is not treated promptly?

Complications that will arise if this disease is not treated quickly and appropriately are:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Heart disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Diabetes mellitus
• Goiter
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Loss of vision
• Sleep apnea

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for acromegaly?

Therapy for limbs, namely:

• Early diagnosis and therapy for tumors that cause acromegaly, with the aim of reducing excessive growth hormone production. Your doctor can refer you to a doctor who specializes in endocrinologists, who specialize in treating hormone problems.
• Surgery to remove tumors in the pituitary gland through the nose or above the lips and leave no marks.
• Removing tumors with radiation therapy.
• Usually doctors will use a combination of therapeutic methods to make it more effective and faster. Acromegaly requires long-term therapy. Surgery is usually successful but hormone levels may not return to normal, so it must be helped with medication after surgery.

What are the usual tests for acromegaly?

The doctor will ask about your medical history and perform a physical examination. Then your doctor may ask you to measure your growth hormone levels, undergo growth hormone suppression tests, and have imaging tests such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Growth hormone-related tests to see if there are excess growth hormone levels. MRI examination to see if there are tumors in the pituitary, pancreas, lungs, or adrenal glands that may be the cause of acromegaly.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat acromegaly?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with acromegaly:

• Follow the doctor's instructions properly and cooperate in the therapy process. You should contact your doctor if you experience side effects such as nausea, lightheadedness, dizziness, do not stop taking the drug arbitrarily.
• Control regularly (as recommended by a doctor). Your doctor will check your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and heart health for complications.
• Symptoms will not go away quickly. Therapy takes a long time and the desire of the patient and his loved ones.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.