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Addison's disease Causes and Risks:
The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney. They consist of the outer portion, called the cortex, and the inner portion, called the medulla. The cortex produces three types of hormones called
corticosteroids, which are essential for life: androgens and estrogens, glucocorticoid hormones, and mineralocorticoid hormones. The androgens and estrogens affect sexual development and reproduction. The glucocorticoid hormones (such as
cortisol) maintain glucose regulation, suppress the immune response , and provide for the response to stress . The mineralocorticoid hormones (such as
aldosterone) regulate sodium and potassium balance.
Addison's disease is a rare disorder that can occur at any age and affects men and women equally. The incidence is 8 in 100,000 people.
Risk factors include rare familial autoimmune diseases and other diseases. These include: premature cessation of menstruation, type I diabetes mellitus , hypoparathyroidism , hypopituitarism , pernicious anemia , testicular dysfunction, Graves' disease , chronic thyroiditis , candidiasis , dermatis herpetiformis , vitiligo and myasthenia gravis .
Prevention:
Symptoms:
Note: symptoms may vary.
Signs and Tests:
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
Treatment:
Replacement therapy with corticosteroids will control the symptoms of this disease; however, these drugs must be continued for life. Usually a combination of glucocorticoids (cortisone or hydrocortisone) and mineralocorticoids (fludrocortisone) are given.
Medication may need to be increased during times of stress . Infection, injury, or profuse sweating may cause an adrenal crisis .
In adrenal crisis, an intravenous or intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone must be given immediately. Supportive treatment of low blood pressure is usually necessary.
Most people with Addison's disease are taught to give themselves an emergency injection of hydrocortisone in times of stress. It is important for the individual with Addison's disease to always carry a medical identification card that states the type of medication and the proper dose needed in case of an emergency.
Never omit medication. If unable to retain medication due to vomiting , notify the health care provider. Also report sudden weight gain or fluid retention to the health care provider.
Prognosis:
With adequate replacement therapy, most people with Addison's disease are able to lead normal lives.
Complications:
Complications may result from the following associated illnesses:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if Addison's disease has been diagnosed and stress such as infection, injury, or dehydrating illness develops (medication adjustment may be indicated).
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if weight increases progressively, the ankles begin to swell, or other new symptoms develop.
The endocrine system is the chemical control center of the body. The pituitary gland is often considered the master control; sending out hormones that regulate the function of the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testis. Over- or under-production of hormones from any of these glands is associated with many different types of disease.
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