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Addison' s Disease
Medical Questions » Addison' s Disease
| Name: Addison' s Disease |
| Also known as: Adrenocortical Insufficiency; Chronic Hypoadrenocorticism |
| Rare under activity of the outer layer (cortex) of the adrenal glands which sit on top of each kidney, and produce hormones (chemical messengers) such as cortisone that control the levels of vital elements in the body and regulate the breakdown of food. |
Causes of Addison' s Disease
In most cases, the reason for adrenal gland failure is unknown, but tuberculosis is a possible cause. |
Symptoms of Addison' s Disease
Weakness, lack of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting, skin pigmentation, mental instability, low blood pressure, loss of body hair and absence of sweating. |
Tests for Addison' s Disease
Diagnosed by special blood tests that measure the body' s response to stimulation of the adrenal gland. |
Treatment for Addison' s Disease
A combination of medications (eg. steroids such as cortisone) to replace the missing hormones. Dosages vary greatly from one patient to another. Frequent small meals high in carbohydrate and protein are eaten, and infections must be treated rapidly. Patients must carry an emergency supply of inject able cortisone with them at all times.
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Complications of Addison' s Disease of its treatment
Diabetes, thyroid disease, anemia, and eventual death. Sudden onset of disease is known as an Addisonian crisis, which may be rapidly fatal. |
Likely Outcome of Addison' s Disease
Treatment can give most patients a long and useful life, but they cannot react to stress (both physical and mental) adequately, and additional treatment must be given in these situations. The ultimate outcome depends greatly on the patient' s ability to strictly follow all treatment regimes. |
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