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Addison Disease Center - Council Bluffs, IA

Council Bluffs Endocrinologist Doctors for Addison Disease

Type of Physician: Endocrinologist

What is a Endocrinologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners treat disorders of the internal (endocrine) glands such as the thyroid and adrenal glands. Endocrinology also deals with disorders such as diabetes, metabolic and nutritional disorders, pituitary diseases, and menstrual and sexual problems.

Specialty: Endocrinology

Common Name:

Endocrinologist Doctors in Council Bluffs *

West Broadway Clinic
Isam Marar
1701 W Broadway
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
(712) 256-5600

Council Bluffs, Iowa

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Addison's Disease

What is Addison's disease?

Addison's disease is an endocrine or hormonal disorder that occurs in all age groups and afflicts men and women equally. The disease is characterized by weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and sometimes darkening of the skin in both exposed and nonexposed parts of the body.

How does Addison's disease occur?

Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, in some cases, the hormone aldosterone. The disease is also called adrenal insufficiency, or hypocortisolism.

What is cortisol?

Cortisol is normally produced by the adrenal glands, located just above the kidneys. It belongs to a class of hormones called glucocorticoids, which affect almost every organ and tissue in the body. Scientists think that cortisol has possibly hundreds of effects in the body. Cortisol's most important job is to help the body respond to stress. Among its other vital tasks, cortisol:

  • helps maintain blood pressure and heart function
  • helps slow the immune system's inflammation response
  • helps balance the effects of insulin in breaking down sugar for energy
  • helps regulate the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats
  • helps maintain proper arousal and sense of well-being

How is cortisol regulated?

Because cortisol is so vital to health, the amount of cortisol produced by the adrenals is precisely balanced. Like many other hormones, cortisol is regulated by the brain's hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, a bean-sized organ at the base of the brain. First, the hypothalamus sends "releasing hormones" to the pituitary gland. The pituitary responds by secreting hormones that regulate growth and thyroid and adrenal function, and sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. One of the...

Recommended Reading Related to Addison's Disease

Hyperkalemia (High Blood Potassium) »

What is hyperkalemia?

Hyperkalemia is common; it is diagnosed in up to 8% of hospitalized patients in the U.S. Fortunately, most patients have mild hyperkalemia (which is usually well tolerated). However, any condition causing even mild hyperkalemia should be treated to prevent progression into more severe hyperkalemia. Extremely high levels of potassium in the blood (severe hyperkalemia) can lead to cardiac arrest and death. When not recognized and treated properly, severe hyperkalemia results in a mortality rate of about 67%.

Technically, hyperkalemia means an abnormally elevated level of potassium in the blood. The normal potassium level in the blood is 3.5-5.0 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Potassium levels between 5.1 mEq/L to 6.0 mEq/L reflect mild hyperkalemia. Potassium levels of 6.1 mEq/L to 7.0 mEq/L are moderate hyperkalemia, and levels above 7 mEq/L are severe hyperkalemia.

How does hyperkalemia affect t...

Emergency Contact for Council Bluffs

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Council Bluffs Hospitals *

Alegent Health Mercy Hospital Council Bluffs
800 Mercy Dr
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712)328-5000

Jennie Edmundson Hospital
933 E Pierce St
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712)396-6000

Boys Town National Research Hospital
555 N 30th St
Omaha, NE 68131
(402)498-6511

Creighton University Medical Center
601 N 30th St
Omaha, NE 68131
(402)449-4000

Douglas County Healthcare Center
4102 Woolworth Ave
Omaha, NE 68105
(402)444-7000

The Nebraska Medical Center Clarkson Tower
4350 Dewey Ave
Omaha, NE 68198
(402)559-4000

The Nebraska Medical Center University Tower
4400 Emile St
Omaha, NE 68198
(402)559-4000

VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System Omaha Division
4101 Woolworth Ave
Omaha, NE 68105
(402)346-8800

Alegent Health Bergan Mercy Medical Center
7500 Mercy Rd
Omaha, NE 68124
(402)398-6060

Children's Hospital
8200 Dodge St
Omaha, NE 68114
(402)955-5400

Nebraska Methodist Hospital
8303 Dodge St
Omaha, NE 68114
(402)354-4000

Alegent Health Immanuel Medical Center
6901 N 72nd St
Omaha, NE 68122
(402)572-2121

Alegent Health Midlands Community Hospital
11111 S 84th St
Papillion, NE 68046
(402)593-3000

Select Specialty Hospital Omaha South
11111 S 84th St
Papillion, NE 68046
(402)898-2700

Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital
2808 S 143rd Plz
Omaha, NE 68144
(402)637-0600

Alegent Health Lakeside Hospital
16901 Lakeside Hills Ct
Omaha, NE 68130
(402)717-8000

Alegent Health Community Memorial Hospital
631 N 8th St
Missouri Valley, IA 51555
(712)642-2784

Memorial Community Hospital
810 N 22nd St
Blair, NE 68008
(402)426-2182

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