Addison's Disease

Addison's Disease

Addison's Disease (pronounced: AD-uh-suhnz duh-ZEEZ) is a rare, chronic endocrine disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient steroid hormones. It is named after Dr. Thomas Addison, the British physician who first described the condition in 1855.

Etymology

The term "Addison's Disease" is derived from the name of Dr. Thomas Addison, who first described this medical condition in his 1855 paper "On the Constitutional and Local Effects of Disease of the Suprarenal Capsules".

Definition

Addison's Disease is characterized by a number of symptoms, including chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, and weight loss. It is caused by damage to the adrenal glands, which are small hormone-secreting organs located on top of the kidneys. The adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones that are essential for life, including cortisol (a stress hormone) and aldosterone (a hormone that helps control blood pressure).

Symptoms

The symptoms of Addison's Disease can vary greatly from person to person. Common symptoms include extreme fatigue, weight loss and decreased appetite, darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation), low blood pressure, salt craving, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), nausea, diarrhea or vomiting, muscle or joint pains, irritability, depression, and body hair loss or sexual dysfunction in women.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Addison's Disease involves a series of tests to measure the levels of hormones produced by the adrenal and pituitary glands. These tests may include a blood test, ACTH stimulation test, insulin-induced hypoglycemia test, and imaging tests such as CT or MRI.

Treatment

Treatment for Addison's Disease involves hormone replacement therapy to replace the insufficient hormones. Patients may need to take medication for the rest of their lives. In cases of Addisonian crisis, immediate medical care is necessary.

Related Terms

• Adrenal gland
• Cortisol
• Aldosterone
• Hypoglycemia
• ACTH stimulation test
• Hormone replacement therapy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Addison's Disease
• Wikipedia's article - Addison's Disease

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