The adrenal glands in people who have Addison’s disease are not functioning properly. Adrenal insufficiency is a disorder that happens when the adrenals do not produce enough of these hormones. Addison’s is the name used to describe primary adrenal insufficiency when the glands are damaged and do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs when other glands such as the pituitary gland (a gland in the endocrine system located near the base of the brain) does not produce enough of its hormone (ACTH) that stimulates the adrenals to produce cortisol. If the ACTH is too low the adrenal glands can stop producing cortisol and may shrink in size. This secondary adrenal insufficiency is more common than Addison’s disease.
Addison's disease symptoms usually develop slowly often over several months and may include:
Failure to produce adequate levels of cortisol or adrenal insufficiency can occur for different reasons. The problem may be due to a disorder of the adrenal glands themselves (primary adrenal insufficiency) or to inadequate secretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland (secondary adrenal insufficiency).
If the underlying cause of Addison’s is TB then the infection can be treated.
If it is due to an autoimmune condition this cannot be cured but medication can be given to replace the lost hormones. In most cases hydrocortisone is given to replace cortisol. Others such as prednisolone or dexamethasone might be given but this is less common. Fludrocortisone is given to replace aldosterone. Sometimes you might be asked to eat extra salt but not if you’re taking fludrocortisone. These medications usually allow people to live the life they lived prior to the disease but sometimes people still have episodes of fatigue.
Medication may need to be increased if your body is under additional strain such as infection operation accident.
In an emergency you or a family member might have to inject hydrocortisone if you’re suffering an Addisoninan crisis. If this occurs you must call your GP immediately or out-of-hours service in your area.
This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Doctors Catalog has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 108 for immediate assistance.
