Cushing's Disease & Arthritis

Cushing's disease is a endocrine condition which can result in many different symptoms. The most common is sudden weight gain, especially around the trunk. Other symptoms include easy bruising, excessive urination, the formation of a "buffalo hump," unusual hair growth, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Cushing's Disease

• Cushing's disease is caused by abnormally high levels of the hormone cortisol in the bloodstream.

Sources of Cortisol

• The levels of cortisol can get abnormally high due to a tumor that either secretes cortisol or hormones that cause additional cortisol production. Cortisol levels can also be raised by taking too many corticosteroids.

Reasons to Take Corticosteroids

• Corticosteroids are a useful method of treatment for many conditions, including asthma, organ transplants and rheumatoid arthritis.

Causes of Arthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks the joints and destroys the cartilage of the joints.

Mechanism of Corticosteroids

• Corticosteroids work to suppress the immune system. Thus, taking corticosteroids can suppress the immune reaction that causes rheumatoid arthritis.

Connection Between Arthritis and Cushing's Disease

• Using corticosteroids can result in Cushing's disease. Because corticosteroids are a common way of treating arthritis, people with arthritis can often develop Cushing's disease as a side effect of their treatment.