Gigantism, acromegaly and dwarfism - all these diseases have a neuroendocrine character. In a patient with gigantism, there is excessive growth hormone secretion, that is, the size of the hand, feet, facial bones and even internal organs increase. All metabolic processes are violated. The disease occurs for various reasons. It can be a head trauma, a pathology during pregnancy and childbirth, a mental illness. Often, acromegaly is caused by a pituitary tumor (a lower cerebral appendage). Patients with acromegaly, and this is most often a woman from 20 to 40 years old, are constantly under the supervision of doctors: an oculist, an endocrinologist, a neuropathologist.
Gigantism also develops due to a large amount of growth hormone, but, in contrast to acromegaly, the growth is proportional at the same time. Gigantism occurs only in young people not older than 18-19 years. With the progression of the disease, weakness, rapid fatigue, and violation of blood pressure are observed.Dwarfism or pituitary nanism, occurs when the pituitary gland is broken in early childhood. The organism with such a disease produces too little growth hormone, so that children lag behind in growth from their peers by 10-15, and sometimes by 20%. At the same time, sexual maturation is delayed, there are no secondary signs of sex. Parents should observe the growth gap in children aged 2-5 years. If you find the slightest deviation, you should consult your doctor. Gigantism and dwarfism are treated with medicines, which, as a rule, gives a good and stable result.
The disease with acromegaly develops very slowly, it begins with constant headaches, fatigue, numbness of the hands. The skin becomes less sensitive and gradually thickens, the nose grows larger, not only the lips but also the tongue grow, which creates difficulties in eating and communicating. Also, the skin hangs on the back of the head, not allowing to rotate the head. Brushes and feet become wide, active hair growth is observed, and this is not only on the head. In addition, vision deteriorates, the functions of the genitourinary system are impaired.
If there are signs of a disorder in the pituitary gland, you should immediately consult a doctor. Setting a correct diagnosis can take a long time, and the earlier treatment with acromegaly begins, the better its results will be. The treatment of acromegaly is long and complicated, sometimes even radiation therapy is used. Slow down or completely eliminate the increased release of growth hormone can also surgery or medical treatment. All types of treatment facilitate the patient's condition, but the processes that occurred before the beginning of treatment, unfortunately, are irreversible.
Such diseases have not been studied enough to recommend any preventive measures. Protect yourself from unnecessary stress, infectious diseases, complications. Women are recommended for prevention for the slightest deviations from the norm of bleeding during menstruation to consult a doctor, to register in a women's consultation during pregnancy become small, abortions only in medical institutions. This will help to avoid acromegaly, gigantism and dwarfism.