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Addison's Disease
Addison's disease is a condition in which you do not make enough cortisol and other hormones in your adrenal glands. Various symptoms develop if the cortisol level becomes too low. A very low cortisol level can be life-threatening. Treatment is with replacement hormone tablets which you need to take every day.
Cells in the adrenal cortex (the outer part of the adrenals) make the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. The amount of cortisol that is made is controlled by another hormone called adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). ACTH is made in the pituitary gland (a small gland that lies just under the brain). ACTH passes into the bloodstream, is carried to the adrenal glands, and stimulates the adrenal glands to make cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that is vital for health. It has many functions which include: Helping to regulate blood pressure. Helping to regulate the immune system. Helping to balance the effect of insulin in regulating the blood sugar level. Helping the body to respond to stress. Aldosterone helps to regulate salts in the blood and helps to control blood pressure.
Page 2 of 6 Cells in the adrenal medulla (inner part of the adrenals) make the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline. These have various actions throughout the body.
Tuberculosis (TB)
TB is an infection which usually affects the lungs. In some cases the infection can spread to, and gradually destroy, the adrenals.
The rest of this leaflet deals only with autoimmune Addison's disease .
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Diarrhoea or constipation which may come and go. Cramps and pains in muscles. Craving for salt, or salty foods and drinks. Menstrual periods in women which may become irregular, or stop. The symptoms can be vague at first. For example, you may feel tired and not right, but it is difficult to say why. Also, most of the symptoms can be caused by other problems, and Addison's disease is rare. So, the condition may not be recognised for weeks or months after symptoms first begin.
Replacing aldosterone
Fludrocortisone is a substitute medicine for aldosterone. This helps to regulate blood pressure and blood salt level. You may also be advised to take extra salt each day. (Note: don't eat liquorice root, as it may interfere with fludrocortisone medication. Most liquorice sweets are only liquorice-flavoured and can safely be eaten - but do check the list of ingredients. Real liquorice is also an ingredient of some cough medicines.)
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If you go on holiday
Take ample supplies of your medication and emergency hydrocortisone injections.
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Osteoporosis prevention
Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) is more common in people with Addison's disease compared to the general population. Osteoporosis mainly affects older people, in particular women who are past the menopause. There is much that can be done throughout your life to help prevent the development of osteoporosis or to minimise its severity if it develops when you are older. For example, regular exercise, a good diet and not smoking will all help. Where necessary, medication may be advised if bone thinning is detected. A special type of scan that measures bone density is used to detect osteoporosis. See separate leaflet called Osteoporosis for more details.
Other diseases
As mentioned above, if you have autoimmune Addison's disease, you have a higher-than-average chance of other autoimmune diseases developing, such as thyroid problems, vitiligo, and pernicious anaemia - the most common being thyroid disorders, which are normally treatable. Therefore, tell your doctor if you develop any other unexplained symptom.
MedicAlert Foundation
327-329 Witan Court, Upper 4th Street, Milton Keynes, MK9 1EH Tel: 0800 581 420 Web: www.medicalert.org.uk MedicAlert bracelets are often worn by people where emergencies may possibly arise (such as people with diabetes, severe allergies, Addison's disease, epilepsy, etc).
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical
conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.
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Original Author: Dr Tim Kenny Last Checked: 20/04/2012 Current Version: Dr Laurence Knott Document ID: 4641 Version: 39 Peer Reviewer: Dr Adrian Bonsall EMIS
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