Addison’s disease is caused by our body’s inability to generate a certain type of hormones. It is classified as a rare disease. In this case, the adrenal glands generate little cortisol and little aldosterone. It appears in all types of patients and in its most serious state and if adequate treatment is not performed, it can be fatal.
Causes of Addison’s disease
Poor hormone production
The poor generation of a hormone called cortisol and, sometimes, also another one called aldosterone is the cause of this disease. The adrenal glands are responsible for this function that provides hormones for all parts of the body. These glands have two parts: the medulla, which generates hormones similar to adrenaline, and the cortex, which generates corticosteroids, a family of hormones that includes glucocorticoids, androgens, estrogens and mineralocorticoids.
If the cortex is affected and does not produce enough hormones, the condition is called primary adrenal insufficiency and is a case of autoimmune disease because the immune system attacks itself. In addition, suffering from Addison’s disease predisposes you to other autoimmune diseases.
On the other hand, it has been detected that other diseases can trigger Addison’s disease. This is the case of infections or cancer in the adrenal glands or tuberculosis.
There is also secondary adrenal insufficiency. It occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough adrenocorticotropic hormones. It produces symptoms similar to the primary one, although in this case the chances of severe dehydration and low blood pressure are lower.
Addison’s disease can cause complications if left untreated. A trigger such as an injury or illness can trigger an Addison’s crisis, a circumstance that can lead to death as it causes low blood pressure, low blood sugar levels, and high levels of potassium in the blood.
Symptoms of Addison’s disease
Progressive advance
The symptoms of Addison’s disease appear progressively, making its diagnosis difficult. On many occasions an external factor such as an illness or injury triggers the symptoms and they become visible. These are the most frequent:
– Feeling of intense tiredness.
– Hyperpigmentation.
– Slimming.
– Low blood pressure.
– Fainting
– I really want to drink salt.
– Low blood glucose level (hypoglycemia).
– Feeling like vomiting.
– Abdominal pain.
– Dizziness.
– General malaise.
– Irritability.
– Depression.
When there is acute adrenal insufficiency the situation becomes serious and there is danger of death. It is essential to detect the symptoms to seek medical attention:
– Feeling of weakness.
– Disorientation.
– Vomiting.
– Dizziness.
– Diarrhea.
– Dehydration
– Very low blood pressure.
– Pain in the lower back or legs.
In the face of an Addisonian crisis the signs are:
– Low blood pressure.
– High potassium level (hyperkalemia).
– Low sodium level (hyponatremia).
Diagnosis of Addison’s disease
Blood tests and hormonal tests
To diagnose, the doctor needs a blood test to measure the levels of various substances (sodium, potassium, hydrocortisone, adrenocorticotrophin, antibodies related to Addison’s disease). You may also require adrenocorticotropin hormone stimulation tests, insulin-induced hypoglycemia testing, and imaging tests such as CT scan of the abdomen to look for abnormalities in the adrenal glands.
Addison’s disease treatment and medication
Medication to stimulate hormone production
Medication to treat Addison’s disease includes corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone, prednisone, or methylprednisolone to replace cortisol. Fludrocortisone acetate serves to compensate for the lack of aldosterone. In the event of an Addisonian crisis, action must be taken quickly and corticosteroids, a saline solution and sugar (dextrose) should be administered intravenously.
Prevention of Addison’s disease
There is no prevention
Addison’s disease cannot be prevented. If you are experiencing weakness, tiredness, and weight loss, it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor about exploring the possibility of adrenal insufficiency.
When diagnosed with Addison’s disease, it is very important to wear a bracelet or a form of medical identification so that you can receive emergency treatment with steroids if necessary. You should also have additional medication on hand (at work, at the gym, while traveling…), have a glucocorticoid injection kit and perform periodic check-ups.
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