Hydrocortisone is primarily used to treat which condition?

Hydrocortisone is primarily used to treat Addison's Disease, which is a condition characterized by insufficient production of cortisol, a vital hormone produced by the adrenal glands. In Addison's Disease, the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and sometimes aldosterone, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure, and hyperpigmentation of the skin.

Hydrocortisone, a synthetic corticosteroid, serves as a replacement therapy to restore cortisol levels and manage these symptoms effectively. By administering hydrocortisone, patients with Addison's Disease can achieve better hormonal balance, maintain appropriate blood pressure, and manage their overall health more effectively.

In contrast, although hydrocortisone has some anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects that could theoretically be considered in various conditions (like sepsis) or inflammatory situations, it is not primarily indicated for those conditions over its role in adrenal insufficiency. Similarly, it does not directly treat heart failure or hypertension, which require different therapeutic approaches.