The Addison's disease reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Addison's disease

Addison's disease (also known as chronic adrenal insufficiency, or hypocortisolism) is a rare endocrine disorder. It is estimated that it affects about 1 to 5 in 100,000 people. It occurs when the adrenal glands, seated above the kidneys, fail to produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, sometimes, the hormone aldosterone.

Table of contents

1 Overview 2 Symptoms 3 Addisonian crisis 4 Treatment 5 References

Overview

There are two forms of Addison's disease, based on the reason for the disorder. Primary adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands themselves are not working properly; secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to adequately stimulate the adrenal glands.

Symptoms

Addison's disease progresses slowly, and symptoms may not present or be noticed until some stressful illness or situation occurs. Common symptoms are:

• chronic fatigue that gradually worsens
• muscle weakness
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• nausea/vomiting
• diarrhea
• low blood pressure that falls further when standing (orthostatic hypotension)
• areas of hyperpigmentation (darkened skin)
• irritability
• depression
• craving for salt and salty foods
• hypoglycaemia (worse in children)
• for women, menstrual periods that become irregular or cease

Addisonian crisis

An illness or accident can aggravate the adrenal problems and cause an Addisonian crisis in which the symptoms include:

• sudden penetrating pain in the legs, lower back or abdomen
• severe vomiting and diarrhea, resulting in dehydration
• low blood pressure
• loss of consciousness

Untreated, an Addisonian crisis can be fatal.

Treatment

Treatment for Addison's disease basically involves replacing the missing cortisol and, if necessary, providing replacement therapy for the missing aldosterone. Caution must be exercised when the person with Addison's disease has surgery or becomes pregnant.

Addison's disease can be an expression of an autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome when autoimmune reactions against other organs are also present. In APS type 1, 70% suffer from Addison's disease, while in type 2, 100% do. Through these syndromes, Addison's is associated with hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus (type 1).

References

• Addison's disease: adrenal insufficiency

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