Zzzzzzzz’s

Answer to Mystery Diagnosis #5:

  

Addison’s Disease

          Addison’s disease is a disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce an adequate amount of the hormone cortisol (and in some cases the hormone aldosterone).  Addison’s disease affects both men and women equally and people of all ages.  It is characterized by fatigue, weight loss, weakness and low blood pressure (hypotension).  Addison’s disease affects about 1 in 100,000 people. 

 

          The hormone cortisol has many vital tasks that helps the body; maintain blood pressure and heart function, respond to stress, slow the immune system’s inflammatory response, balance the effects of insulin, maintain proper arousal and sense of well-being, and regulates metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. 

          The hormone aldosterone helps the body maintain blood pressure and water and salt balance.  When aldosterone levels are low, the kidneys are unable to regulate salt and water balance causing blood volume and blood pressure to drop. 

  

Signs and Symptoms:

·         Muscle weakness

·         Fatigue

·         Weight loss and decreased appetite

·         Darkening of your skin (hyperpigmentation)

·         Low blood pressure, even fainting

·         Salt craving

·         Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

·         Nausea, diarrhea or vomiting

·         Muscle or joint pains

·         Irritability

·         Depression

Treatment:

·         The treatment for Addison’s disease involves taking hormones to replace the insufficient amount being produce by the adrenal glands. 

o   For cortisol replacement – hydrocortisone tables

o   For aldosterone replacement –  Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate)

Addison’s disease affects about 1 in 100,000 people.  If left untreated it can cause an “Addisonian crisis” that can be fatal.  “Addisonian crisis” is when a constellation of symptoms cause a severe adrenal insufficiency.  

 JFK is one of the best-known Addison’s disease sufferers.  

Works Cited

"Addison's Disease Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment on MedicineNet.com." Web. 14 Nov. 2011. <http://www.medicinenet.com/addison_disease/article.htm>.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Addison's Disease: Causes - MayoClinic.com." Mayo Clinic. Web. 14 Nov. 2011. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/addisons-disease/DS00361/DSECTION=causes>.