The adrenal glands, present on the top of each of the kidneys, are responsible for producing hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism, immune system, blood pressure and other important functions. Addison's disease is a type of adrenal disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands produce insufficient amounts of hormones (cortisol and aldosterone). This condition arises when the outer layer (cortex) of the adrenal glands gets damaged. The disease can pose a threat to the patient’s life.
The symptoms of Addison’s disease include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Fatigue
Pain in the abdomen area
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Darkening of the skin
Low blood pressure
Low blood sugar levels
Salt craving
Muscle ache
Stress
Causes
Some causes of Addison’s disease include:
Tuberculosis
Infections in the adrenal glands
Presence of cancer in the adrenal glands
Bleeding in the adrenal glands
Diagnosis
During diagnosis, the doctor examines the medical history of the patient and checks the presence of signs and symptoms of Addison’s disease. The doctor confirms the presence of the disease by carrying out certain tests.
Blood tests
ACTH stimulation test
Insulin-induced hypoglycemia test
Imaging tests
Treatments
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Prevention
Prevention of Addison’s disease includes controlling the symptoms, treating the main cause and limiting the risk factors. The disease can be prevented by
Treating fungal infections.
Controlling diabetes.
Identifying the cancer in the patient’s body and treating it.
Treating bacterial infections such as tuberculosis.
