Addison's disease: medications, symptoms, causes etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is Addison's disease (Addison disease)?

Addison's disease is a disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands are not working optimally, so the body does not produce enough of these important hormones.

These two small adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys. The adrenal glands produce the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands produce very little of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. Without this hormone, salt and water in the body cannot be excreted in the urine, which will cause the blood pressure to drop to a very low level.

At the same time, it will increase the amount of potassium to dangerous levels. To date, there are no effective methods for preventing Addison's disease.

How common is this condition?

Addison's disease can appear at any age and gender. However, in most cases, this disease affects women more often than men.

The United Kingdom public service website, the NHS, is a rare disorder that usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 50. Always consult your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of Addison's disease (Addison disease)?

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, Addison disease symptoms usually develop slowly, often over several months. Often times, the disease progresses so slowly that symptoms are ignored. As a result, the condition could get worse. Some of the symptoms of Addison's disease are:

• Often feels weak or tired
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss drastically
• Low blood pressure
• Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Craving for salty food
• Hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin color
• Muscle or joint pain
• Stomach ache
• Depression
• Hair loss
• Sexual dysfunction in women

There are several signs and symptoms that may not be listed above. If you are worried about one symptom, please consult a doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you feel that you have this disease, go to your doctor for advice and an accurate diagnosis. Moreover, contact your doctor immediately if you have signs and symptoms of Addison's disease, such as:

• Darker skin
• Feeling very tired
• weight loss
• Digestive system problems such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain
• Dizziness or fainting
• Muscle or joint pain

Immediately consult a doctor if you experience the above signs in order to get a proper diagnosis. In severe cases of Anddison's disease, immediate medical attention is needed before it can lead to coma or even death.

Cause

What causes Addison's disease (Addison disease)?

The main cause of Addison's disease is that the adrenal glands are not working effectively. This row of glands is located just behind the kidneys. They produce hormones to keep the organs and tissues in the body working. When the adrenal glands are injured, the hormones cortisol and aldosterone are not produced. Causes of adrenal injury can include:

• Confusion of the immune system that thinks the adrenal glands are harmful to the body. Therefore it attacks these glands.
• Infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, AIDS, or fungal infections.
• Tumors or bleeding in the adrenal glands.

There are other possible causes of this disease. Please ask your doctor if you have additional questions.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for Addison's disease (Addison disease)?

If you are diagnosed with Addison's disease, you should follow your doctor's instructions for effective treatment. In addition, you should take note of and avoid the following:

• Eating too many foods that are high in potassium (such as bananas, oranges, salt substitutes).
• Ignoring the symptoms of the disease or disorder. This results in your doctor being unable to monitor your condition and find the right treatment.
• Do not take medication as soon as symptoms start to appear. Early diagnosis makes treatment more effective.
• Not cooperating with the doctor's treatment, such as not taking the recommended medication, not coming on schedule and refusing therapy. Your doctor can provide directions for the best method and treatment for you. Always follow the directions and instructions from the doctor.

Always follow your doctor's directions for effective treatment. Please consult with your doctor about the factors you need to limit or avoid while you are being treated for this disease.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for Addison's disease (Addison disease)?

Treatment methods vary depending on the condition and severity of symptoms. However, in most cases, topical corticosteroid treatment is the most widely used. Corticosteroid drugs can help control symptoms.

Usually, you need ongoing treatment for best results. Your doctor may increase the dose if you have diseases or medical conditions such as infection, trauma, stress, or surgery.

What are the usual tests for this condition?

To diagnose this disease, the doctor will check the blood and urine, and measure the concentration of adrenal hormones. Your doctor may ask you to undergo X-rays and CT scans of the adrenal glands.

In addition, the doctor will diagnose your disease based on your medical history, signs, and symptoms.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat Addison's disease (Addison disease)?

In addition to the manual treatment of Addison's disease by a doctor, you need to adopt and maintain your lifestyle and to ensure your health and condition:

• Check your health and condition regularly to the doctor.
• Undergo treatment according to doctor's recommendations.
• Consult a doctor for advice before and after surgery.
• Always carry a complete supply of emergency medicine, make sure you and your family know how to use these medications.
• Have a healthy lifestyle. Balance a diet with adequate salt levels.
• Get some exercise, but don't overdo it.
• Contact your doctor if you feel unwell (nausea, vomiting, fever) or feel dizzy, tired and have decreased significantly.
• Always consult a doctor if you want to reduce the dose of medication, so that you will avoid complications such as weight gain, diabetes, and hypertension.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.