Addison's disease is a condition linked to the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands, located just above the kidneys, have two main functions. The inner part of the adrenal gland, called marrow produces the hormone adrenaline. The outer part of the gland is called Cortex and produces the body's steroids. Victims of Addison's disease have an impaired cerebral cortex, which leads to a deficiency or complete lack of hormones.
The human body needs adrenaline to increase metabolism in preparation for shock or trauma. Steroids produced by the cortex include cortisol, a steroid for coping with stress. Another steroid produced by the cortex is aldosterone, which regulates salt levels in the blood. If salt or sodium levels are irregular, blood pressure problems will occur. The cortex is also responsible for producing the male sex hormone testosterone.
In about 70% of people with Addison's disease, the cause is related to the autoimmune system. This means that the immune system attacks the adrenal cortex as if it were foreign to the body. About 30% of cases of cortex destruction are the result of infections, such as tumors and disease. It has also been recognized that there may be hereditary conditions related to Addison's disease.
The symptoms of Addison's disease are very varied. The most common symptoms include extreme lethargy, a brown discoloration of the skin, and high frequency of urination. Low blood pressure is another common symptom of Addison's disease.
Other symptoms may include mood swings, a craving for salty foods, and muscle weakness. Loss of appetite and weight loss can also occur, as well as irregular periods in women. Tremors, dehydration, and numbness in the hands and feet have also been recorded as symptoms of Addison's disease.
The diagnosis of Addison's disease is based on the symptoms and the levels of hormones and steroids in the blood. A simple test involves injecting the victim with adrenocorticotrophic hormone. In healthy people, an injection of this hormone will cause cortical hormone levels to rise. Victims of Addison's disease will show little or no reaction. Other blood tests check the levels of salt, sugar, and potassium in the blood.
Treatment of Addison's disease usually consists of a series of hormone replacement treatments. Steroid tablets may also be prescribed. It is very important that those with Addison's disease carry some form of identification to let others know about the condition. Any major surgery, infection, or injury can cause an adrenal crisis that must be treated immediately.