Question

Disorder- Endocrine Disorders

For this critical thinking activity, you will research a treatment method presented within the disorders of this module. You will construct a 3-4 page (double spaced not including title page and/or references or images) research paper that addresses the following:

• Manufacturer of the treatment (for example a medication, tool, therapy program, etc.)
• A detailed summary of its method of function (how does it work, what does it do)
• An outline of potential notes on the medication (must it be titrated up, properly withdrawn under supervision, watched for allergies etc.), side effects or potential complications with short or long term use,
• Identify and summarize other similar or competing treatments (for example are there generic versions available or other drugs/treatments that it competes against)
• Discuss the cost of the treatment to the patient/client and insurance (private and public – Medicaid or Medicare).

Answer 1

Doctors that treat endocrine disorders are called endocrinologists. They can analyze the endocrine diseases and provide treatments for the same, taking care of the intricacies that arise out of this.

For the treatment of endocrine disorders, either medication or surgery is considered. Symptoms could be removed by providing medication to correct the imbalance of the endocrinal hormones which could be in excess or in deficit. In case there are cancerous or non cancerous tumors related to endocrine system, surgeries are considered in order to remove the tumors, preventing them from growing further. Tissues of the endocrine system consists of the ovaries, testes, hypothalamus and adrenalin gland. These glands are responsible for releasing hormones which further performs a lot of functions such as metabolism, respiration, growth, reproduction, sense and motion.

For the first part of the treatment, the endocinologist may ask a series of questions to diagnose the correct underlying symptoms of the endocrine disorder. Various blood and urine samples will be taken to conduct certain tests based on which the treatment for the same could be decided. The pulse rate, heart rate and blood pressure will also be considered and checked as a part of the treatment. On the basis of all the body fluid samples taken and tests conducted, the doctor will suggest a corrective and best suitable treatment plan. Though a lot of endocrine disorders cannot be cured, but they can be treated well with the means of certain medications and surgical procedures.

The problems with endocrine hormone secretions might result due to :

1. A certain genetic disorder that might occur in the course of heredity.

2. Certain infection or disease that has occurred within the body

3. A certain dysfunctional organ that is not able to produce an appropriate amount of hormone, thus inhibiting it to perform its usual functions.

4. A certain injury to the endocrine system which cannot be healed on its own thus affecting its functioning.

For example, let's take up one endocrinal disorder called Diabetes. This disease is acquired due to the imbalance of a hormone called insulin. This disease is still not curable but it can be treated with the help of medication or surgery. It is a type of pancreatic endocrine disorder. Diabetes disorder is of two types : Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 generally occurs in children or in people where insulin hormone level is low. If this is not treated, it can lead to death. Type 2 diabetes is not related to deficiency of insulin, rather it occurs in people where who are not sensitive to end organ, thus resulting in hyperglycemia. People with type 2 diabetes might have normal or high levels of insulin hormone. Some of the complications that can occur while treating type 1 and type 2 diabetes might include : neurological discomforts due to high levels of glucose that can lead to ketoacidosis resulting in death, damage of nerves that take or bring back signals from brain, spinal cord and rest of the body, painful rupture of motor and sensory nerves, pinching of nerves inhibiting them to perform their functions, damage to eye retina, injury to spinal cord etc.

As for the treatment of diabetes, different drugs could be combined and used in order to maintain the blood sugar levels. For Diabetes type 2, possible drug treatment could be provided by : Metformin. Metformin is a medicine, that is produced by various brands like Glucophage, Riomet etc. This medicine is used to handle diabetes. This is used to control the level of glucose in blood and minimizes the absorption of glucose. This medication works in combination with maintaining a healthy diet and accommodating lifestyle changes. This medication could be taken orally with dosage content of 250mg, 500mg, 750mg and 1000mg depending upon the dosage prescribed by the doctor. This medication should not be increased over the dosage of 2550mg per day. Over dosage of this medicine could result in the impaired liver and kidney functions. This medicine should be used carefully in case of senior citizens with diabetes and liver and kidney functions should constantly be kept under check while consuming this medication. People with age over 75 years should not be given this drug as it will do more harm than good to kidney and liver, rather than maintaining the blood glucose better.

While using this drug, certain side affect symptoms could be observed :

1. Visible signs of weakness

2. Gastric problems and stomach pain

3. hypoglycemia

4. Deficiency of Vitamin D and Vitamin B12

5. Bloating

6. Constipation

7. Chest pain etc.

This drug does show any severe side effects if taken along side different drugs. Though mild reactions with some of the other medications might be possible. This drug should be avoided in consumption with heavy alcohol. Overdose might be poisonous.