Addison's Disease: What It Is And Why It Can Be Fatal

Addison’s disease is a condition of the endocrine and hormonal systems and is quite rare, affecting between one and six in every 100,000 people. Addison’s disease can affect both men and women, as well as people of all ages. The disease occurs when the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidney, begin producing less and less of cortisol, a necessary and crucial hormone. In some cases of Addison’s disease, the adrenal glands also stop producing another hormone called aldosterone.

The reasons for why Addison’s disease occurs are not limited to one factor and include such things as having an autoimmune disease that attacks the adrenal glands, being diagnosed with cancer, infection, or having the adrenal glands removed during surgery. There are also different types of Addison’s disease, with Type 1 being prevalent in young children and Type 2 being common amongst young adults.

The symptoms experienced by those with Addison’s disease include weight loss, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Another characteristic of Addison’s disease includes the changes in the pigmentation of the skin. The skin will begin to darken in certain areas of the body, which is a telltale sign that doctor’s look for. In the early stages of Addison’s disease, it can be quite difficult to diagnose, especially because the symptoms can be attributed to something else.

Addison’s disease was once fatal and a debilitating disorder for the lives of many children and adults. With the proper diagnosis and treatment however, patients are able to treat the disease and lead normal, healthy lives. Without treatment however, the lack of cortisol in the body can cause brain impairments, as well as cause the body’s organs to shut down. This is because the deterioration of the tissues in the adrenal glands produce hormonal steroids that are critical and necessary for our body’s functions. Without them, the body could not survive.

Once diagnosed, Addison’s disease is treated with a variety of hormones that replace the cortisol and aldosterone. Although the hormones will need to be taken and managed for life, they make it possible to live with this disease that was once fatal to many individuals.

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