Addison's Disease
Other Names: Chronic Adrenal Insufficiency, Hypocortisolism,
Hypocorticism
Addison's Disease is a rare autoimmune disease of
the adrenal gland, the little glands that sit atop
each of the kidneys. With Addison's, the adrenal gland
is unable to produce enough steroid hormones that
the body needs to function, also known as an Adrenal
Insufficiency.
Addison's can develop slowly or can be a sudden,
serious attack (known as Adrenal Crisis) and can happen
at any age. The initial symptoms of Addison's may
include fatigue, dizziness, muscle weakness, weight
loss, difficulty standing up, diarrhea, vomiting,
headaches, sweating and mood swings.
Addison's can be a condition on it's own, or can
be part of an underlying existing condition (secondary
condition). Sometimes Addison's can be associated
with tumors, other autoimmune conditions, AIDs, or
the overuse or improper use of steroids.
There are some suspicions that Addison's can also
be triggered by infection, trauma, surgery, stress
or by patients on Corticosteroids therapy that do
not adjust their dose properly.
Other causes of Addison's may include a rare genetic
mutation (Adrenal Dysgenesis category), and some medications
may interfere with the adrenal glands' ability to
produce hormones normally.
Addison's is controllable when diagnosed and treated
properly, but there is no cure.
Symptoms:
Abdominal cramps
Abdominal pain
Abdominal tenderness
Absence of period
Anxiety
Areas of skin darkening
Areas of skin lightening
Changes in mood
Changes in personality
Decrease in body hair
Dehydration
Diarrhea
Difficulty standing up
Difficulty walking
Dizziness
Dizziness and nausea when standing up quickly
Excessive sweating
Fainting
Fatigue
Fever
General body pain
General joint pain and stiffness
Headaches
Impotence
Loss of appetite
Low blood pressure
Low sex drive
Mental confusion
Muscle weakness
Nausea
Salt cravings
Sensitivity to cold
Skin darkening underneath the nails
Stronger sense of smell, taste and hearing
Vertigo
Vomiting
Unintentional weight loss
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is usually based on the history of symptoms
plus a physical exam, blood tests and possibly a CT
Scan. Upon physical examination, the patient may have
low blood pressure which could help in determining
whether or not Addison's is a potential diagnosis.
Blood tests may also show:
Positive Antithyroglobulin Antibody (Anti-Tg)
Positive Antimicrosomal Antibody
Positive Antithyroid Peroxidase Antibody
Elevated Blood Acidity (pH)
Elevated Calcium (Ca)
Elevated Eosinophil Granulocytes (Eos)
Low Blood Glucose (Gluc)
Elevated Lymphocytes (Lymph)
Elevated Potassium (K)
Elevated Prolactin
Low Sodium (Na)
Elevated Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Low Total Thyroxine (T4)
A Cosyntropin Test (ACTH Stimulation Test) is usually
preformed, also, and will measure the output of hormones
and show a low level.
A CT Scan may possibly show abnormalities of the
adrenal glands
Treatment:
Therapy for Addison's requires steroid replacement
therapy with the use of Corticosteroids drugs, such
as Prednisone. Severe cases may require high doses
of Hydrocortisone to stabilize. Addison's sufferers
may need to adjust their dosing as needed when they
become ill, are under stress or trauma, are pregnant
and other medical cases. There is no cure for Addison's,
so treatment is usually life-long.
Prognosis:
With replacement therapy and lifestyle adjustments,
patients tend to do well and live a full, normal life.
It is important that people suffering from Addison's
closely monitor their stress levels and adjust their
doses as needed. It is also recommended to wear Medical
Alert bracelets or tags.
|
