Medical Questions » Syndrome Questions » Question No. 969
| Question: | My mother has just been diagnosed as having Cushing' s syndrome. What causes Cushing' s syndrome? Is it serious? |
| Answer: | Cushing' s syndrome occurs when an excess amount of steroids (such as cortisone) are given to a patient, or a gland becomes overactive to produce steroids within the body. The glands involved are the pituitary, which is in the middle of your brain, and the adrenals which sit on top of your kidneys.
The syndrome may cause obesity, skin markings, headaches, weakness, bone pain and other diverse symptoms.
Steroids are very useful in controlling a wide range of diseases from asthma to arthritis and skin disorders, but they must be used judiciously to avoid complications.
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