Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is a rare disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands, which are located just above the kidneys, do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol and sometimes also the hormone aldosterone. Cortisol plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s metabolism, immune system, and blood pressure, while aldosterone helps regulate the body’s electrolyte balance. When these hormones are not produced in sufficient amounts, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms.
Some common symptoms of Addison’s disease include:
Fatigue and weakness: People with Addison’s disease often feel tired and weak, even after getting enough rest. This can be due to the low levels of cortisol, which helps regulate the body’s energy metabolism.
Weight loss and decreased appetite: People with Addison’s disease may lose weight, even if they are eating a normal diet. This can be due to the low levels of cortisol, which can affect the body’s metabolism and appetite.
Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation): Addison’s disease can cause the skin to darken, particularly in areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and arms. This is due to the accumulation of a pigment called melanin in the skin.
Low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness or fainting: The low levels of cortisol and aldosterone in people with Addison’s disease can cause the blood vessels to relax, leading to low blood pressure. This can cause dizziness or fainting, especially when standing up from a sitting or lying position.
Salt craving: People with Addison’s disease may crave salt, as the low levels of aldosterone can cause the body to lose too much salt, leading to an imbalance in electrolytes.
Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting: These digestive symptoms can be caused by the low levels of cortisol, which can affect the body’s metabolism and digestion.
Abdominal pain: People with Addison’s disease may experience abdominal pain due to the low levels of cortisol, which can affect the body’s metabolism and digestion.
Muscle or joint pain: The low levels of cortisol in people with Addison’s disease can cause muscle and joint pain, as cortisol helps regulate the body’s immune system and inflammation.
Depression or feeling irritable: The low levels of cortisol in people with Addison’s disease can affect the body’s stress response and cause feelings of depression or irritability.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well, and a healthcare professional should be consulted for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Addison’s disease symptoms usually happen slowly, often over months. The disease can move so slowly that people who have it may ignore the symptoms at first. Then a stress, such as illness or injury, makes symptoms worse.
Acute adrenal failure, known as addisonian crisis
If Addison’s disease goes untreated for too long, it can become an Addisonian crisis. Symptoms associated with an Addisonian crisis can include:
- agitation
- delirium
- visual and auditory hallucinations
- mental status changes, such as confusion, fear, or restlessness
- loss of consciousness
- high fever
- sudden pain in the lower back, belly, or legs
An untreated Addisonian crisis can lead to shock and death. Addison’s disease is a serious condition that requires lifelong hormone replacement therapy, so prompt diagnosis and treatment are important for maintaining good health.