ADDISON'S DISEASE

Addison's disease is a rare chronic disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. It is most commonly triggered by an autoimmune reaction. It is curable with medicine.

Adrenal glands

Adrenal glands also known as suprarenal glands, are small, triangle shaped glands that are located on top of each of your two kidneys. They are a part of your endocrine system.
Cortisol is a hormone that regulates your body's response to stress, such as illness, injury, or surgery. It also helps to regulate your blood pressure, cardiac function, immune system, and blood glucose (sugar) levels. Cortisol is vital for survival.

Aldosterone is a hormone that regulates the levels of sodium and potassium in your blood. This regulates the quantity of fluid your kidneys excrete as urine, which influences blood volume and blood pressure.

Addison's disease is also known as primary adrenal insufficiency. Secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs when your pituitary gland fails to produce enough adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates your adrenal glands to create cortisol.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CUSHING SYNDROME AND ADDISON'S DISEASE?

Addison's disease occurs when your body lacks sufficient cortisol (and aldosterone), whereas Cushing's syndrome occurs when your body produces too much cortisol (hypercortisolism). 

WHO IS PRONE TO ADDISON'S DISEASE?

Addison's disease can affect persons of any age; however, it is most frequent among those aged 30 to 50.

People with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome, a rare genetic illness in which the immune system mistakenly attacks many of their tissues and organs, are considerably more prone to develop Addison's disease. This syndrome most usually affects the mucous membranes, adrenal glands, and parathyroid glands, although it can also affect other tissues and organs.
People with the following autoimmune diseases are also more likely to acquire the autoimmune (most common) form of Addison's disease:

  • Type 1 diabetes.
  • Pernicious anemia.
  • Graves’ disease
  • Chronic thyroiditis.
  • Dermatitis herpetiformis.
  • Vitiligo.
  • Myasthenia Gravis. 

SYMPTOMS

  • The most prevalent symptom is steadily growing fatigue
  • Patches of dark skin (hyperpigmentation), particularly around scars, skin folds, and on the gums.
  • Abdominal discomfort.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss.
  • Muscle aches, spasms, and/or joint pain.
  • Dehydration.
  • Low blood pressure might produce lightheadedness or dizziness while standing.
  • Changes in mood and behavior, including impatience, sadness, and difficulty concentrating.
  • A yearning for salty foods.
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

CAUSES


Because Addison's disease symptoms develop slowly over time and are vague and common to a variety of diseases, correct diagnosis is frequently delayed.

Addison's disease is frequently discovered "accidentally" by healthcare practitioners when a routine blood test, such as a basic metabolic panel, reveals low sodium or high potassium levels.

Dark patches on your skin are another typical symptom that alerts doctors to the possibility of Addison's disease.

If your doctor suspects you have Addison's disease based on your symptoms, they will conduct more tests to definitively diagnose the condition.

TESTS

  • Blood tests
  • ACTH stimulation test 
  • Insulin-induced hypoglycemia
  • Computed Tomography 

TREATMENT



Addison's disease is treated by replacing the missing hormones cortisol and aldosterone with synthetic counterparts.

The drugs hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone replace cortisol and aldosterone, respectively. Addison's disease is a chronic ailment that requires medicine for the rest of your life.

The quantities of these medications vary by individual, and your healthcare professional may raise the dosage when you are having an infection, trauma, surgery, or other stressful events in order to prevent an acute adrenal crisis.

If you are using fludrocortisone, your doctor may advise you to increase your salt consumption, particularly in hot and humid conditions and after heavy activity.

PREVENTION


Unfortunately, you cannot prevent Addison's disease.






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