🧠 Addison’s Disease – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Management

📖 What Is Addison’s Disease?

Addison’s disease is a rare, long-term (chronic) condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones.

The main missing hormones are:

Cortisol – helps the body respond to stress and maintain energy

Aldosterone – helps control blood pressure and salt balance

This condition requires lifelong treatment.

🔍 Causes of Addison’s Disease

🦠 Main Cause

Autoimmune disease

→ The immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal glands

⚙️ Other Causes

Infections (e.g. tuberculosis)

Damage to the adrenal glands (injury or surgery)

Genetic or rare conditions

⚠️ Symptoms of Addison’s Disease

Symptoms often develop slowly over time.

🟥 Common Symptoms

Extreme fatigue and weakness

Weight loss and reduced appetite

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)

Salt cravings

🟧 Other Symptoms

Dizziness when standing

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Muscle weakness

Irritability or low mood

🚨 Adrenal Crisis (Medical Emergency)

A serious complication is an Adrenal crisis.

🔴 Warning Signs

Severe vomiting and dehydration

Sudden, intense pain (abdomen, back, or legs)

Very low blood pressure

Confusion or loss of consciousness

➡️ This is a medical emergency – urgent treatment is required.

🩺 Diagnosis

Doctors may use:

Blood tests (to check hormone levels)

ACTH stimulation test

Imaging scans (CT or MRI)

💊 Treatment of Addison’s Disease

Treatment is lifelong hormone replacement therapy.

💊 Cortisol Replacement

Hydrocortisone

Or Prednisone

💊 Aldosterone Replacement

Fludrocortisone

⚙️ Daily Management

Take medication every day as prescribed

Increase doses during illness or stress (as advised by a doctor)

Stay hydrated and maintain salt balance

Carry a medical alert card or bracelet

Keep emergency medication if prescribed

🩺 Monitoring and Follow-Up

Regular doctor visits

Blood pressure and blood tests

Medication adjustments when needed

⚠️ Risks if Untreated

Without proper treatment, Addison’s disease can lead to:

Severe dehydration

Dangerous low blood pressure

Adrenal crisis (life-threatening)

🛡️ Living With Addison’s Disease

Condition can be well managed with treatment

Most people can live a full, active life

Education and awareness are key to staying safe

💡 Key Message

Addison’s disease is a serious but manageable condition.

With the right medication and monitoring, people can stay well—but missing treatment can be life-threatening.

Type: Hormonal disorder

Addison’s Disease Module 3

Symptoms

Extreme tiredness

Weight loss

A5 – Addison’s Disease

🧠 Addison’s Disease – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Management

📖 What Is Addison’s Disease?

Addison’s disease is a rare, long-term (chronic) condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones.

The main missing hormones are:

Cortisol – helps the body respond to stress and maintain energy

Aldosterone – helps control blood pressure and salt balance

This condition requires lifelong treatment.

🔍 Causes of Addison’s Disease

🦠 Main Cause

Autoimmune disease

→ The immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal glands

⚙️ Other Causes

Infections (e.g. tuberculosis)

Damage to the adrenal glands (injury or surgery)

Genetic or rare conditions

⚠️ Symptoms of Addison’s Disease

Symptoms often develop slowly over time.

🟥 Common Symptoms

Extreme fatigue and weakness

Weight loss and reduced appetite

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)

Salt cravings

🟧 Other Symptoms

Dizziness when standing

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Muscle weakness

Irritability or low mood

🚨 Adrenal Crisis (Medical Emergency)

A serious complication is an Adrenal crisis.

🔴 Warning Signs

Severe vomiting and dehydration

Sudden, intense pain (abdomen, back, or legs)

Very low blood pressure

Confusion or loss of consciousness

➡️ This is a medical emergency – urgent treatment is required.

🩺 Diagnosis

Doctors may use:

Blood tests (to check hormone levels)

ACTH stimulation test

Imaging scans (CT or MRI)

💊 Treatment of Addison’s Disease

Treatment is lifelong hormone replacement therapy.

💊 Cortisol Replacement

Hydrocortisone

Or Prednisone

💊 Aldosterone Replacement

Fludrocortisone

⚙️ Daily Management

Take medication every day as prescribed

Increase doses during illness or stress (as advised by a doctor)

Stay hydrated and maintain salt balance

Carry a medical alert card or bracelet

Keep emergency medication if prescribed

🩺 Monitoring and Follow-Up

Regular doctor visits

Blood pressure and blood tests

Medication adjustments when needed

⚠️ Risks if Untreated

Without proper treatment, Addison’s disease can lead to:

Severe dehydration

Dangerous low blood pressure

Adrenal crisis (life-threatening)

🛡️ Living With Addison’s Disease

Condition can be well managed with treatment

Most people can live a full, active life

Education and awareness are key to staying safe

💡 Key Message

Addison’s disease is a serious but manageable condition.

With the right medication and monitoring, people can stay well—but missing treatment can be life-threatening.

Type: Hormonal disorder

Addison’s Disease Module 3

Symptoms

Extreme tiredness

Weight loss

Low blood pressure

Darkened skin