Addison's Disease
Addison's
disease is a rare hormonal
disorder that affects about one in 100,000
people. It occurs when the
adrenal glands, located above each
kidney, do not produce enough corticosteroids -- in particular, the hormone cortisol, and in some cases, the hormone aldosterone.
Cortisol's most important
function is to help the body respond to
stress. It also helps regulate your body's use of
protein, carbohydrates and
fat; helps maintain blood pressure and
cardiovascular function; and stems inflammation. Aldosterone helps your kidneys regulate the amount of salt and water in your body and, thus, regulate your
blood pressure. When aldosterone levels drop too low, your kidneys cannot keep your salt and water levels in balance, and your blood volume and
blood pressure drop.
There are two forms of Addison's disease:
primary adrenal insufficiency, a problem with the adrenal glands themselves, and
secondary adrenal insufficiency, a
problem with the
pituitary gland that, in turn, interferes with the adrenal glands. Also called chronic adrenal insufficiency or hypocortisolism, Addison's disease may occur at any age. Treatment involves use of synthetic steroids given in low doses. As long as replacement medication is taken daily, individuals with Addison's disease can live normal lives.
SymptomsSymptoms generally develop slowly.
~Chronic
fatigue and
muscle weakness
~Loss of a
ppetite, inability to
digest food and
weight loss.
~Low blood
pressure that falls further when standing, causing
dizziness or
fainting
~Blotchy, dark pigment. Skin discoloration is more noticeable on body parts exposed to the sun and on the forehead,
knees and
elbows; scars and skin folds and creases (such as on the palms).
~Blood
sugar disorders, including hypoglycemia
~Nausea,
vomiting and
diarrhea
~Inability to cope with stress
~Moodiness, irritability and
depression
~Intolerance to
heat or
cold
~Craving of salty
foods, due to salt loss
Some of these
symptoms may indicate conditions other than Addison's disease. If you experience any of the symptoms, talk with your doctor about whether Addison's disease or another condition may be the cause.
Addisonian Crisis
Because symptoms of Addison's disease progress slowly, they may go unrecognized until a physically stressful event, such as another
illness,
surgery or an
accident, causes them to become much worse suddenly. Such an acute episode of the disease is called an Addisonian crisis. In about 25 percent of patients with Addison's disease, symptoms first become apparent during this type of crisis. An Addisonian crisis is considered a medical emergency because left untreated it can be
fatal. Symptoms of an Addisonian crisis include the following:
~Sudden penetrating pain in the lower back, abdomen or legs
~Severe vomiting and diarrhea, followed by dehydration
~Low blood pressure
~Loss of consciousness