Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism) - Picture, Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Addisons Disease

Addison's Disease is caused by the failure of the adrenal glands to secrete adrenocortical hormones because the cortex (outer part) has been damaged. This damage was formerly usually caused by tuberculosis but may result from disturbances in the immune system.

There are no accurate statistics on the incidence of Addison's disease in the United States. A study in London showed thirty-nine cases per million population as of 1960. Twelve were due to tuberculosis. In the non-tuberculosis group, women were three times more likely to have Addison's disease. Extrapolation of these figures to the U.S. would give about 8,800 cases, but this is probably an underestimation.

Addison's Disease Symptoms

The symptoms of the disease are:

• wasting
• weakness
• low blood pressure
• dark pigmentation of the skin

A complete cure can be effected by replacing the deficient hormone with hormone replacement therapy.

Causes of Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)

Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, in some cases, the hormone aldosterone. The disease is also called adrenal insufficiency, or hypocortisolism.

The adrenal glands are small hormone-secreting organs located on top of each kidney. They consist of the outer portion (called the cortex) and the inner portion (called the medulla). The cortex produces 3 types of hormones: glucocorticoid hormones, mineralocorticoid hormones, and sex hormones.

Treatment of Addison's Disease

Treatment for this disease is usually done by oral administration of fludrocortisone acetate (Flurinaf), salting the food, and administration of corticosteroids like prednisone. In a crisis situation this disorder must be treated more aggressively with intravenous fluids, IV glucocorticoids and correction of acid/base balances.

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