Addison's Disease - Cause, Symptoms, Treatment of Addison's Disease

Addison's Disease is a condition that occurs whne the cortex or outer layer of adrenal over the kidney fails to produce the hormones cortisone and aldosterone. The failure is caused by an autoimmune disease in 75% of cases and by tuberclosis in 20% of cases. Addison's Disease is usually gradual in onset but occasionally occurs in an acute form.

Symptoms of Addison's Disease

The reduction in theh level of production of the adrenal hormones cause weakness, weight loss, a fall in blood pressure and changes in the colour of the skin. The first signs of the Addison's Disease, which often precede the appearance of the other symptoms by many years are a darknening of the mucous menbranes of the mouth or vagina and of those parts of the body such as elbows and creases of the palms that are exposed to friction.

The most important symptom of Addison's Disease is tiredness and lethargy.

Treatment of Addison's Disease

The condition may prove fatal unless treated by synthetic hormones. These are take by mouth and in most cases restore a normal life expectancy. Acute addisonian crises require emergency admission to hospital and treatment with intravenous steroids and saline.

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