Information From Your Health Care Provider

ADDISON'S DISEASE

(Adrenal Insufficiency)

Basic information

description

Addison's disease is a rare disorder that leads to failure of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce hormones (cortisol and aldosterone) that affect almost every body organ and tissue. These hormones help the body respond to stress, maintain blood pressure, help heart and blood vessel function, and are involved in metabolism. Addison's often affects people ages 30 to 50, but can occur in all age groups. It affects men and women equally.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Symptoms may develop slowly over months or years. Symptoms are caused when levels of hormones produced by the adrenal glands are too low.
Weakness and fatigue.
Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and appetite and weight loss.
Low blood pressure causing faintness and dizziness.
Darkening of the skin. This includes: skin folds, lips and inside mouth or nose, scars, joints such as elbows or knees, creases of the palm, or nipples.
Craving for salty foods.
Behavior or mood changes, including irritability or depression.

causes

Primary adrenal insufficiency is usually caused by an autoimmune disorder. For unknown reasons, the body's immune system attacks the adrenal glands. Other causes are tuberculosis, AIDS, adrenal gland infection, cancer that has spread to the adrenal glands, or other disorders.
Secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs when another condition causes the adrenal gland to not produce enough hormones. This is usually due to a pituitary gland problem. In some cases, prolonged or improper use of steroid hormones may be a cause.

risk increases with

Other autoimmune diseases.
Disorders mentioned in Causes.
Family history of Addison's disease.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures.

expected outcomes

Addison's disease can be controlled with hormone replacement. A normal lifestyle can be expected.

possible complications

Adrenal crisis caused by injury or illness. Symptoms may include pain, weakness, low blood pressure, high or low temperature, fainting.
Increased risk of infections.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. Medical tests may include blood and urine studies, tests to measure adrenal function, and CT or MRI.
Treatment involves replacing the hormones the adrenal glands are not making.
This is a life-long condition. Learn how to care for yourself. Strict attention to drug schedules is vital.
Learn about adrenal crisis and its relationship to body stress (e.g., infection, surgery, or injury). A temporary increase in hormone therapy is usually required.
Advise any doctor or dentist who treats you that you have Addison's disease.
If you live or travel where medical care is not readily available, you may be given instructions on giving yourself cortisone injections in case of emergency.
Wear a medical alert type bracelet or tag stating that you have Addison's disease and its emergency care.
Stay up-to-date on vaccines, such as those for influenza and pneumonia.
Hospital care may be needed for an adrenal crisis.
To learn more: National Adrenal Diseases Foundation, 505 Northern Blvd., Great Neck, NY 11021; (516) 487-4992 (not toll free); website: www.nadf.us.

medications

Drugs to replace the hormones cortisol and aldosterone will be prescribed as needed. Never stop taking or change your drugs without medical advice.

activity

No limits.

diet

Special diet may be prescribed (e.g., one to maintain proper balance of sodium and potassium).

notify our office if

You or a family member has symptoms of Addison's disease.
After diagnosis, infection, injury, or dehydration develops. Drugs may need a dosage change.
Swollen ankles, weight gain, or new symptoms occur.