Addison’s Disease Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Addison’s disease is a disorder that occurs due to damage to the adrenal glands which causes reduced production of steroid hormones, namely cortisol and aldosterone. This disease is also called hypoadrenalism.
The adrenal glands are on top of the kidneys. The hormones produced are useful to help the body function properly. The hormone cortisol makes the body react when under stress. Meanwhile, the hormone aldosterone is responsible for helping regulate sodium and potassium regulation. The adrenal glands also produce sex hormones or androgens.
In people with Addison’s disease, the adrenal glands produce little cortisol and aldosterone. Without these hormones, the body cannot excrete salt and water which should be excreted in the urine. As a result, blood pressure will drop dramatically. On the other hand, potassium levels in the body will increase sharply to the point of endangering the body.
Symptoms
Addison’s disease causes many symptoms related to low levels of steroid hormones in the body, such as:
- Weakness in muscles
- Weak and easily tired
- Dark skin tone
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased heart rate
- Blood pressure drops
- Low blood sugar
- Faint
- Sores in the mouth or canker sores
- A desire for high salt consumption
- Nausea and vomiting
- Depressed or irritable (irritable)
If Addison’s disease is not treated, it can lead to an Addison’s crisis which can be fatal. Addison’s crisis symptoms include:
- Altered mental status (confused, apprehensive, restless)
- Loss of consciousness
- High fever
- Sudden pain in the lower back, abdomen and legs
Reason
Addison’s disease can be caused by two reasons, namely primary and secondary. Primary means damage to the adrenal glands. While secondary means by other causes.
The causes of primary damage to the adrenal glands are:
- the patient’s own immune system or autoimmune disease
- long-term use of corticosteroids such as prednisone
- infection
- tumor or cancer
- some blood thinners
The cause of secondary damage to the adrenal glands is that the pituitary gland cannot produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which controls the work of the adrenal glands.
Your risk of developing Addison’s disease is higher if:
- have cancer
- taking blood thinners (anticoagulants)
- have a chronic infection such as TB
- have an autoimmune disease such as type 1 diabetes or Graves’ disease
- underwent surgery to remove part of the adrenal gland
Diagnosis
In determining the diagnosis of Addison’s disease, the doctor will ask for a medical history, and symptoms and perform a physical examination. Laboratory tests will also be carried out to check sodium and potassium levels and hormone levels. Other investigations, such as radiology, may also be needed.
Treatment
Treatment for Addison’s disease depends on the cause. Doctors can give medications that help regulate the adrenal glands. A combination of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, may help symptoms. Sufferers may need to take this drug for life.
Replacement hormones are also needed to replace hormones that the body does not produce and reduce symptoms. It’s also important to take care not to stress because it can affect the body’s response to drugs. Yoga and meditation can help.