Addison’s Disease

Addison's disease is a rare chronic condition caused by the failure of the adrenal glands to produce adequate hormones cortisol, and aldosterone.

Cortisol is a stress hormone that aids the body's response to disease, injury, or surgery. Further, it aids in the maintenance of blood pressure, cardiac function, the immune system, and blood glucose levels. Aldosterone is a hormone that regulates the sodium and potassium levels in your blood. This regulates the quantity of fluid removed by your kidneys as urine which influences blood volume and blood pressure.

Symptoms of Addison’s Disease

  • Fatigue that is steadily worsening (the most common symptom).
  • Patches of dark skin, around scars and skin folds, as well as on the gums.
  • Pain in the abdomen.
  • Vomiting and nausea.
  • Diarrhoea.
  • Appetite loss and unintended weight loss.
  • Muscle soreness, spasms, and/or joint pain are all possible symptoms.
  • Dehydration.
  • Low blood pressure
  • Mood and behaviour changes
  • A desire for salty foods.
  • Hypoglycaemia.

Diagnosis

Blood tests:

To measure sodium, potassium, cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels in the blood.

ACTH stimulation test:

To assess the adrenal glands' reaction to an injection of synthetic ACTH. If adrenal glands generate low levels of cortisol after the injection, they may not be working correctly.

Insulin-induced hypoglycaemia test:

To observe if these symptoms are caused by pituitary gland problems rather than adrenal gland problems. It evaluates blood sugar levels before and after the administration of fast-acting insulin, which should result in decreased blood sugar and increased cortisol.

Computed tomography (CT scan):

A CT scan of the adrenal glands and/or pituitary gland to reveal whether the immune system has damaged or infected the adrenal glands.

Treatment

Cortisol is replaced by the medicine hydrocortisone, and aldosterone by the drug fludrocortisone. These are normally administered as pills that are taken twice or thrice daily.