Addison's Disease

Addison's Disease

What is Addison's Disease?

Addison's disease is caused by damage to the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands sit just above the kidneys. As part of the endocrine system, they make hormones that affect almost every organ and tissue in the body. Damage to these glands results in too little of the hormone cortisol and, often, the hormone aldosterone.

  • Extreme fatigue.
  • Weight loss and loss of appetite.
  • Areas of darkened skin.
  • Low blood pressure, even fainting.
  • Salt craving.
  • Low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia.
  • Nausea, diarrhea or vomiting.
  • Abdominal pain.

These may include unexplained fatigue, poor appetite, chronic abdominal pain, or weight loss. Hyponatremia with or without hyperkalemia and/or hypotension can often be seen in Addison disease. Addisonian crisis is often manifested by severe dehydration, confusion, refractory hypotension, and shock.

Addison's disease can develop if your immune system attacks your adrenal glands and severely damages your adrenal cortex. When 90% of the adrenal cortex is destroyed, your adrenal glands will not be able to produce enough of the steroid hormones cortisol and aldosterone.

  • The immune system mistakenly attacking the gland (autoimmune disease)
  • Infections such as tuberculosis, HIV, or fungal infections.
  • Hemorrhage, blood loss.
  • Tumors.
  • Use of blood-thinning drugs (anticoagulants)

Addison's disease can't be prevented, but there are ways to avoid an addisonian crisis: Talk to your health care provider if you always feel tired or weak or are losing weight without trying. Ask about an adrenal shortage. If you have been diagnosed with Addison's disease, ask your provider what to do when you're sick.

How is it diagnosed?

How is it diagnosed?

Treatment usually involves corticosteroid (steroid) replacement therapy for life. Corticosteroid medicine is used to replace the hormones cortisol and aldosterone that your body no longer produces. It's usually taken in tablet form 2 or 3 times a day.

How is it treated?

Treatment for acute myeloid leukemia is vital. It varies with the patient and stage of the disease. Treatment options include

Treatment usually involves corticosteroid (steroid) replacement therapy for life. Corticosteroid medicine is used to replace the hormones cortisol and aldosterone that your body no longer produces.

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    Dr. Sapana Bothra Jain

    Professor & HOD

    Experience8years

    QualificationMBBS, MS (General surgery), MCh Endocrine and Breast Surgery (SGPGIMS Lucknow)

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