Addison’s disease is a chronic condition that occurs when the adrenal glands are unable to produce enough of the hormones they typically produce, cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol is a hormone that is essential for life. It helps how your body responds to stressful situations and aids in controlling your blood pressure, blood sugar, immune system, and heart function.
Aldosterone is a hormone that affects the amount of salt (sodium) and potassium in your blood. These electrolytes are important in the body to help control blood volume and blood pressure. It is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional if you suspect you might have Addison’s disease.
The signs and symptoms of Addison’s disease often occur slowly over time. There may be several months of mild signs and symptoms until the symptoms worsen and become more noticeable. Stress in the form of an injury or an illness can make symptoms more evident. The following are signs and symptoms often associated with Addison’s disease:
In some cases, signs and symptoms of Addison’s disease may appear quickly. If these signs and symptoms suddenly appear, it may become a life-threatening event called an Addisonian crisis. This medical emergency requires immediate treatment because it can lead to shock or death. It is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional if you experience signs and symptoms of Addison’s disease.
Addison’s disease is caused by damage done to the adrenal glands, often from an autoimmune response. An autoimmune response occurs when your own immune system attacks healthy tissues. In Addison’s disease, the immune system attacks and damages the outer part of the adrenal glands, the adrenal cortex.
Other risks of Addison’s disease may include cancer, fungal infections, inherited conditions that affect endocrine glands, or tuberculosis. Type 2 diabetes, pernicious anaemia, Myasthenia Gravis, Graves disease, and thyroiditis are conditions that may also put people at an increased risk of Addison’s disease.
Addison’s disease can be diagnosed by blood work, urine tests, and imaging. You will also need a physical exam from a healthcare professional. Blood work will measure levels of electrolytes such as potassium and sodium, as well as cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels in the blood. These results can indicate how well the adrenal glands are functioning.
Urine tests can also check the levels of adrenal hormones in the body. Imaging such as a CT scan, x-ray, ultrasound, or MRI can help indicate whether issues with the adrenal glands are suspected.
Treatment of Addison’s disease will be dependent on your healthcare provider’s recommendations. Factors that determine your treatment plan include your age, current health condition, health history, how well you handle certain medications or procedures, and your preferences. Many people will need to take medicines to replace the hormones that the adrenal glands are unable to produce or produce enough of. Cortisol replacement is usually necessary.
Replacing the hormone aldosterone may also be necessary in some cases. Depending on the severity of the disease, these medications may be given thru an IV or in pill form. Adding salt to your diet may also be necessary. If you have specific questions or concerns about a treatment plan for Addison’s disease, you should seek advice from a healthcare provider, as treatment and management may vary from one person to the next.