Addisons Disease - What is Addisons Disease?

Addison's disease is a rare medical condition that results from insufficient production by the adrenal gland of several vital hormones.
It is caused by a disorder of the adrenal glands themselves or by the failure of the part of the pituitary gland that produces ACTH, the hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands.
Addison's disease is most common during middle age. Stopping steroid medications suddenly and without medical supervision can produce a life-threatening Addisonian crisis.

Addison disease symptoms:

Common symptoms of Addisons disease may include weakness and dizziness caused by low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, loss of weight, and a brownish color of the skin and the membranes lining the mouth.
It is difficult to diagnose the condition because it is slow to develop and because there may be occasional, temporary improvements in the patient.
Tests can reveal the low amount of adrenal hormones in the blood and a disturbance in the balance of salts in the body fluids.

Addison disease treatment:

Treatment of Addisons disease following a correct, early diagnosis can be highly effective. The missing hormones are replaced and recovery is generally speedy.