Causes and risk factors
Primary hyperaldosteronium is caused due to the diseases of the adrenal gland itself. Adrenal adenomas is the major contributing factor. Adrenal hyperplasia can also lead to increase secretion of aldosterone hormone. Hyperaldersteronism can also be caused due to certain idiopathic causes.
Clinical presentation
Hypertension and hypokalemia is the hallmark of this disease. The patient usually comes up with complaints of muscles weakness and cramps in muscles. Nausea, vomiting diarrhea, headache and palpitation occurs. This all leads to dehydration. Increased thirst along with increased frequency of urination is complained by the patient. Muscles weakness can gradually lead to numbness and paralysis. Increase secretion of aldosterone can lead to affections of variety of organs including the heart and kidney .It can cause certain complications like heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure or even death.
Investigations
The diagnosis is done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and physical examination carried out by the doctor. 24 hrs urine samples are tested to check the aldosterone levels. High levels are diagnostic. Other investigations like routine blood test, blood test for androgen-rennin test, serum electrolyte level, USG and CT scan of abdomen to view the enlargement of the adrenal gland are advised.
Treatment
The conservative line of treatment consist of administration of medication. Spironolactone is the drug of choice for primary hyperaldosteronium. Anti hypertensive medications are administered. In severe cases or in cases where conservative line of treatment fails surgical intervention is necessary. It consists of removal of the tumor. Intake of salt is restricted.
Other modes of treatment:
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating the diseases. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
