ABSTRACT – Addison’s disease, also called as Hypocortisolism or Hypoadrenalism is a rare chronic disease of adrenal glands. In...
Addisons disease
Addison’s disease, also called as Hypocortisolism or Hypoadrenalism is a rare chronic disease of adrenal glands. In this condition, the glands do not produce sufficient amounts of steroid hormones like cortisol and aldosterone that are essential for the body.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
The symptoms of this disease gradually develop over months. The common symptoms can be linked to other disease conditions which include:
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Headache and fever
Sweating
Weakness and lightheadedness on standing
Muscle weakness
Weight loss and Anorexia
Anxiety
Muscle and joint pains
Mood swings like depression
Salt craving and hypoglycemia
Alopecia
Irritability
Sexual dysfunction in women
Upon physical examination, these symptoms may also be observed:
Hyperpigmentation
Low blood pressure on standing
Addisonian crisis
Addisonian crisis: It is a severe adrenal insufficiency caused due to undiagnosed Addison’s disease or intercurrent problem, i.e., infection and trauma occurs during Addison’s disease. The symptoms for the same are:
Sudden pain in abdomen, legs or back
Dehydration due to severe vomiting and diarrhea
Hypotension
Hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia, hyponatremia and hypoglycemia
Neurological problems like convulsions and slurred speech
Fever
Severe lethargy
Syncope
. Designed by