Real Health

Acromegaly is a rare disease that affects 2 000 to 4 000 people in France, mostly men and women aged 30 to 50 years. Caused by excessive production of growth hormone, acromegaly is characterized by excessive growth of the face and extremities. A number of information is now in place to facilitate its detection.

Corps_Acromegale.jpg "alt =" "title =" "align =" right "style =" padding: 5px "class =" right "/> Made by the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain hormone growth, which is used to grow during childhood, contributes to adulthood for the proper functioning of the body by promoting the reduction of body fat. It also helps fight against aging by maintaining skin thickness and muscles. The excess growth hormone, in the caseof acromegaly, causes thickening of the bones, increasing the volume of muscles and organs (including heart) and a higher rate of sugars and fats in the blood.

A patient may be suffering from acromegaly if it combines several of these symptoms:
– A progressive increase in the volume of the face, with a front that appears sagging, eyebrows and chin highlights, broadening the base of the noseand thickened lips;

– Progressive Spacing of teeth;

– Enlargement of the hands and feet (with an increase in the size of shoes and need to remove rings or alliances that become too tight);

– Pain in the back and joints;

– Wrinkles and severe;

– Snoring and breathing pauses during sleep;

– Decreased vision;

– Symptoms as a varietyexcessive sweating, headache …

The very gradual onset of symptoms makes it difficult to diagnose acromegaly for patients, often in disarray, but also by physicians. They are often the events that follow that can make the link with this rare disease (diabetes, hypertension, heart rhythm disorder, risk of cancer higher …). If acromegaly is not readily supported, it can lead to cardiac and respiratory complications severe, causing a decline in life expectancy of 10 years.

From 8 April to 8 August, the Centers for Disease Reference rare pituitary Paris and Marseille set up a device to inform and educate the public screening of acromegaly.A number of information to remember: 09 70 61 05 03 (number not surcharged, at the cost of a local call, from a fixed or mobile phone Monday to Saturday from 7h to 21h).

Source: Center for Disease Reference Center pituitary reference endocrine diseases rare growth-April 2009