🧠 Chapter 5 – Module 4 Medical Conditions Addison's disease

 

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📘 Understanding Addison’s Disease

Addison's disease is a rare, long-term (chronic) condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough essential hormones—mainly:

• Cortisol (stress hormone)
• Aldosterone (controls salt and blood pressure)

👉 Without these hormones, the body cannot properly manage stress, blood pressure, and energy levels.

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🧠 What Causes Addison’s Disease?

🔑 Main Cause

• Autoimmune reaction (70–90%)
  • The immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal glands

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Other Causes

• Infections (e.g., tuberculosis)
• Cancer affecting the adrenal glands
• Bleeding (hemorrhage) into the adrenal glands
• Genetic or rare medical conditions

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⚠️ Key Symptoms

Symptoms often develop gradually and may be mistaken for other conditions.

Common Symptoms

• Extreme fatigue and weakness
• Weight loss and reduced appetite
• Low blood pressure (dizziness or fainting)
• Salt cravings
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

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🔍 Unique Sign

• Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin)
  • Seen on:
    • Scars
    • Skin folds
    • Gums

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🧪 Diagnosis

Doctors use several tests to confirm Addison’s disease:

• Blood tests:
  • Cortisol levels
  • ACTH (pituitary hormone)
  • Aldosterone levels
• Stimulation tests
  • Check how adrenal glands respond to hormone signals

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💊 Treatment

Addison’s disease requires lifelong treatment.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

• Cortisol replacement:
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Prednisone
  • Methylprednisolone
• Aldosterone replacement:
  • Fludrocortisone

👉 These medications replace missing hormones and must be taken daily.

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🚨 Adrenal Crisis (Medical Emergency)

An adrenal crisis is a life-threatening emergency.

What Causes It?

• Untreated Addison’s disease
• Severe stress (infection, injury, surgery)
• Missing medication

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⚠️ Symptoms of Adrenal Crisis

• Severe pain (legs, back, or abdomen)
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Sudden drop in blood pressure
• Confusion or loss of consciousness

👉 Requires immediate emergency treatment (IV cortisol and fluids)

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🛠️ Daily Management

People with Addison’s disease need to carefully manage their condition.

Key Strategies

• Take medication exactly as prescribed
• Increase medication during illness or stress (as advised)
• Carry emergency steroid medication
• Wear a medical alert bracelet

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🥗 Diet and Lifestyle

There is no strict “Addison’s diet,” but:

• Adequate salt intake is important
• Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet
• Stay hydrated

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💡 Key Messages

• Addison’s disease is serious but manageable
• It requires lifelong hormone replacement
• Early recognition prevents complications
• Adrenal crisis is a medical emergency

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🧾 Summary

Addison’s disease involves:

• Hormone deficiency (cortisol and aldosterone)
• Symptoms like fatigue, low blood pressure, and skin changes
• Lifelong treatment with medication
• Risk of adrenal crisis if untreated

👉 With proper treatment, people can live full and active lives