Addison's disease, also called adrenal insufficiency, is a rare disorder that happens when the adrenal glands don't produce enough of certain hormones - cortisol and aldosterone. The adrenal glands are located on the top of each of the kidneys and produce many hormones that the body needs for normal functioning including cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol hormone manages the body's response to stressful circumstances. Aldosterone hormone helps to regulate the amount of water and salt in the body. This disease can occur in people of any age group, to both genders, and can be dangerous.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of Addison's disease develop gradually, usually over some months. More often, the disease advances so slowly that symptoms are ignored until anxiety, stress, for example, an illness or an injury, develops and worsens the symptoms. The signs and symptoms include:
- Muscle deficiency
- Exhaustion and tiredness
- Skin starts getting dark (hyperpigmentation)
- Weight loss and poor appetite
- a dropping in pulse or circulatory strain
- Low glucose levels
- Unconsciousness
- Sores in the mouth
- Craving for salt
- Irritability
- Sexual dysfunction in women, or body hair loss
Some of these symptoms may indicate conditions other than this disease because the signs of Addison's disease advance very slowly, and they may go unrecognized until a physically unpleasant circumstance, for example, another sickness, medical procedure, or a mishap, worsen the symptoms rapidly. When this condition occurs, it's called an Addisonian crisis. One in four individuals affected by Addison’s disease realize they are sick at this point. An Addisonian crisis is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Causes
Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone hormones. Insufficient production of these hormones can be either because of primary adrenal insufficiency or secondary adrenal insufficiency.
Primary adrenal insufficiency - It is an autoimmune disease and occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal glands. Infections such as TB, HIV, or fungal infections, or bacterial infections and growth of cancer cells to the adrenal glands can also affect the glands and result in primary adrenal insufficiency.
Secondary adrenal insufficiency - It occurs when the pituitary gland that is located in the brain can’t produce the hormone ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to produce hormones. When ACTH levels are very low, the adrenal glands are not stimulated to produce their hormones. Prolonged or improper use of steroid hormones such as prednisone, pituitary tumors, or any damage in the pituitary gland can also cause secondary adrenal insufficiency.
Treatment
The treatment for Addison’s disease will depend on the reason behind the condition. As this condition is caused by the insufficient production of hormones, doctors around the world treat it by medications that can replace those hormones. Cortisol hormone can be replaced by Hydrocortisone (Cortef), prednisone, or methylprednisolone when given on a proper schedule. Aldosterone can be replaced by Fludrocortisone acetate.
If left untreated, Addison’s disease can result in an Addisonian crisis which is very dangerous. In such cases, doctors might prescribe injections of salt, fluids, and glucocorticoid hormones to treat the Addisonian crisis. When treated, people with Addison’s disease can lead a normal life. However, it is always important to carry a medical alert card and bracelet to let others know about your condition in emergency times.
Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.
