I recognize Conn syndrome from these symptoms

The main symptoms of Conn syndrome are therapy-resistant high blood pressure and a low blood potassium level. High blood pressure can lead to headache and dizziness. Furthermore, sleep disturbances, tiredness, nervousness and concentration problems can be observed in those affected.

The low potassium content, a so-called hypokalemia, can also cause further symptoms. These include: a lack of drive and weakness, constipation, increased thirst and increased urination. Muscle weakness can also be seen.

In addition, there may be sensations of discomfort in the skin due to the disturbed ratio of electrolytes or also called minerals. Weight gain is not a typical symptom of Conn syndrome. However, a differential diagnosis may indicate that weight gain, especially in connection with high blood pressure, is a sign of another disease of the adrenal cortex.

This is the so-called Cushing’s syndrome. In this syndrome, increased cortisol production is induced by a tumorous change in the adrenal gland itself or its controlling unit, the pituitary gland. In the context of Cushing’s syndrome, weight gain is one of the typical symptoms.

Fatigue can present itself in the context of Conn syndrome. However, this is a very unspecific syndrome, the sole presence of which has no disease value. In combination with a blood pressure that is difficult to adjust, it may be an indication of an adrenal gland disorder, but often the fatigue does not receive too much attention among the symptoms of Conn syndrome due to its non-specificity.

Treatment/Therapy

The therapy of Conn syndrome depends on the cause. In case of cell proliferation or hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex, certain drugs are usually used. These include in particular spironalactone, a so-called aldosterone antagonist.

This is an antagonist of aldosterone which blocks the docking sites where aldosterone would normally have its effect. The effect of the excess aldosterone and the associated potassium excretion and sodium and water absorption is thus interrupted. In the presence of an adenoma or benign tissue growth, this is removed in a surgical procedure. In most cases not only the adenoma but the entire adrenal gland is removed. The task of the removed adrenal gland can then be taken over by the remaining and above all healthy adrenal gland.

Duration/forecast

Both duration and prognosis depend on the cause and the therapeutic measures. The drugs given to treat Conn syndrome do not cure the disease but help to restore natural function. In particular, high blood pressure, which in the long term leads to damage to the blood vessels and heart, is thus regulated, and those affected have a much better prognosis of staying healthy for longer.

Course of disease

Adequate therapy will inhibit the influence of the excess aldosterone and reduce the symptoms and long-term damage caused mainly by high blood pressure. If no treatment is given, the cardiovascular system in particular will suffer over time. Permanently elevated blood pressure leads to damage to the heart, the vessels in general and the vessels of the eyes and kidneys in particular. To prevent related diseases, treatment of Conn syndrome is absolutely necessary.