[dropcap]M[/dropcap]uscle spasm and muscle cramps are disorders of muscle function caused by painful involuntary contractions of affected skeletal muscles characterized by limited movement.
Q: What is the difference between muscle spasm and cramps?
A: Cramps are stronger and more painful than spasms, occurring while the muscle is in its most shortened state.
Skeletal muscles are those that move the body skeleton to do work as we choose. Examples are muscles that move the mouth, arms, hands, legs, and feet.
What Are Muscle Spasm, Muscle Cramps In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?
Underarm showing skin darkening, which is a feature of Addison’s Disease
What Is Primary Addison’s Disease?
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]ddison’s disease is an autoimmune destruction of the adrenal glands by autoantibodies that target the adrenal cortex, or outer part of these glands, and is characterized by a slow progressive failure of the adrenal glands to adequately produce its steroid hormones.
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue or failure may not develop until the majority of adrenal tissue is destroyed. When untreated, progression leads to coma, called Addisonian crisis, which is a medical emergency.
There are two adrenal glands each located on top of a kidney and enclosed in a connective tissue capsule. Each is a small, triangular shape that is made of two parts: the outer region and the inner region.
The inner region, called the adrenal medulla, produces epinephrine and norepinephrine chemicals that are needed to deal with stress.
The outer region, called the adrenal cortex, produces adrenocortical (steroid) hormones and releases them into the bloodstream in response to pituitary stimulating hormone from the brain.
Q: What is the function of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands?
A: Functions of the three steroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands are:
Glucocorticoids restrain inflammation and metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins to maintain a normal glucose blood level. The major glucocorticoid is hydrocortisone.
Mineralocorticoids regulate the retention and excretion of fluids and electrolytes by the kidneys. The most important mineralocorticoid is aldosterone.
Androgen (testosterone) is a male sex hormone.
Secondary adrenal insufficiency may develop from other causes that are not immune related such as chronic infections, tumor, and medications.
What Is Addison’s Disease In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?
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What Are Muscle Spasm, Muscle Cramps?
