21/07/2025

MONDAY | JULY 21, 2025

26

HEALTH

Living with adrenal disorders in M’sia M ALAYSIA’S famously unpredictable weather – with its mix of sweltering heat, humidity, Malaysia’s tropical climate can make identifying a d r e n a l of o Notoriously tricky to diagnose, staying hydrated key in humid environments Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include nausea and abdominal discomfort.

suffocating humidity and sudden rainstorms – can be more than just an inconvenience. This tropical climate presents unique health challenges that demand attention for individuals living with adrenal insufficiency. The extreme conditions can worsen dehydration and heat stress, making it harder for the body to function properly. glands The adrenal glands, also called suprarenal glands, are small, triangular organs on top of each kidney. The adrenal glands produce essential hormones such as cortisol, noradrenaline and adrenaline, which play a vital role in maintaining blood pressure within a healthy range. When the body lacks sufficient cortisol, an individual’s blood pressure may drop. Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands cannot produce enough hormones, which are essential for maintaining blood pressure, regulating metabolism and managing stress. The condition commonly affects people between the ages of 30 and 50, and it is usually associated with autoimmune conditions such as type one diabetes, coeliac and thyroid disorder. However, other environmental factors such as tuberculosis, HIV and fungal infection may contribute to this condition in any age group. , f e s d al od Understanding adrenal

Environmental stressors such as poor concentration can mask symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

insufficiency to life-threatening adrenal crises, where the body’s inability to produce sufficient hormones can result in fatal outcomes. It will then become a medical emergency and patients would require urgent hydrocortisone. Patients may be in a comatose state and without treatment, up to 20% of people in shock may die from an adrenal crisis. Common misconceptions about adrenal disorders One common misconception is that adrenal function can recover after a diagnosis of primary adrenal failure. In reality, primary adrenal failure is irreversible, and the adrenal glands do not regain their ability to produce hormones. However, in cases of secondary adrenal insufficiency, there is a can lead

tricky to diagnose because their symptoms overlap with those of other health issues. A key diagnostic tool is the Short Synacthen Test, which evaluates how well the adrenal glands respond to stimulation. This test involves administering synthetic ACTH to stimulate the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands fail to produce adequate cortisol in response to this stimulation for those with adrenal insufficiency. Managing adrenal disorder in Malaysia’s climate While adrenal disorders cannot be cured, they can be effectively managed. Staying hydrated is especially crucial in Malaysia’s humid environment, where dehydration can exacerbate symptoms. Without treatment, adrenal i k di b

disorders more challenging. Symptoms such as dehydration, fatigue and poor concentration can easily be mistaken for the effects of environmental stress rather than a serious underlying condition. Environmental stressors, including dehydration and poor concentration, often mask the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. Compounding this challenge, the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency are non-specific and include weight loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, fatigue and confusion, making it difficult to distinguish between general fatigue and a more serious underlying adrenal issue. How do individuals diagnose adrenal disorders? Adrenal disorders are notoriously di d Tuoxin. The signing ceremony was jointly witnessed by secretary of the CPC Qionghai municipal committee and party secretary of the Lecheng Administration Zhou Changqiang, Lecheng Administration director Fu Sheng, KL Wellness City Sdn Bhd director Datin Karen Pua and KL Wellness City Sdn Bhd executive director Datuk Seri Dr Vincent Tiew. KLWC is Southeast Asia’s first fully integrated 26.5-acre township in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur dedicated to health and wellness, where medical, residential, commercial and leisure components are purpose-built to foster a holistic and sustainable lifestyle. Anchored by the International Tertiary Hospital and complemented by wellness suites, retirement resorts, research centres and fitness-focused infrastructure, KLWC redefines how communities live, heal and thrive. At the heart of KLWC is KLIH, a world-class tertiary hospital approved for 624 beds, scalable to

small chance – about one in six – that adrenal function may recover, which can take up to five years. Another myth is that hydrocortisone, a critical medication for adrenal insufficiency, is merely a supplement. Hydrocortisone is not a simple supplement. It is a life-saving medication that replaces the hormones the body can no longer produce, essential for regulating blood pressure and responding to stress. Patients should never discontinue its use without consulting their healthcare provider. This article is contibuted by Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City consultant endocrinologist and diabetes, internal medicine specialist Dr Lim Chong Wei

How

Malaysia’s

weather

complicates adrenal health With its relentless heat and

KL Wellness City inks partnership with China medical innovation hub KL Wellness City (KLWC) and KL International Hospital (KLIH) have signed a healthcare cooperation agreement with the Boao LeCheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in the Hainan Free Trade Port, China for cross-border medical collaboration. 2026, offering a comprehensive suite of specialist and sub-specialist services to local and international patients. Boao LeCheng, located within the Hainan Free Trade Port, is internationally recognised for its access to advanced medical

technologies, expedited approval pathways for novel treatments and as a model zone for global healthcare innovation. Measuring 9 sq km, it is China’s only national-level medical tourism pilot zone, directly supported by China’s president and State Council. It is positioned as a hub for international medical innovation, equipped with world-class healthcare facilities and fast-track access to cutting-edge treatments and pharmaceuticals not yet available elsewhere in China. There are 36 operational medical institutions in Boao LeCheng, with over 20 more under construction or in the pipeline.

The collaboration encompasses joint initiatives in medical tourism, clinical research, technology exchange and specialist training, further propelling KLWC’s mission to position Malaysia as a regional hub for integrative healthcare and wellness. This signing marks the first-ever partnership between Boao LeCheng and a Malaysian hospital, establishing a bridge between two medical tourism and wellness destinations in Asia. The agreement was signed by KLWC managing director Datuk Dr Colin Lee, KLIH executive director Datuk Dr Jacob Thomas and Lecheng Administration deputy director Yi

(Seated from left) Lee, Yi and Jacob sealing the healthcare partnership.

1,000 beds. The hospital will house 76 critical care beds, 88 high-dependency units and 25 state-of-the-art operating theatres,

and will be equipped with the latest in smart hospital infrastructure and advanced medical equipment. KLIH is targeted to open in the second half of