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Addison’s Disease – Definition and Diagnosis

Addison's disease is a hormonal disorder. This is a rare endocrine disorder. It occurs when your adrenal glands produce insufficient amounts of cortisol and aldosterone. X-rays of adrenal and pituitary glands help confirm initial diagnosis.

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Definition and Diagnosis of Addison’s Disease

New York (USA), June 27, 2013

What is Addison’s Disease?

Definition of Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease is a hormonal disorder. This is a rare endocrine disorder. It occurs when your adrenal glands produce insufficient amounts of cortisol and aldosterone. The disease is named after a British physician, Dr. Thomas Addison. He was the first to detect and describe this condition in 1849.

Addison’s disease is also addressed as adrenal insufficiency in medical terminology. It is same as chronic adrenal insufficiency, hypocortisolism, and hypoadrenalism. ‘Addisonian’ refers to specific features of the disease. People suffering from Addison’s disease are also termed ‘Addisonian’. Addison’s disease is fatal and occurs across people of all age groups.

Addison’s disease is caused due to problems in adrenal gland functioning. Sometimes, certain infections, mal-functioning of body immune system and other rare causes lead to Addison’s disease.

Diagnosis of Addison’s Disease

It is difficult to diagnose Addison’s disease in the initial stages. Dark tanning of skin is the earliest symptom. Other symptoms include muscular weakness, weight loss, abdominal pain, and low blood pressure. Sometimes, this progresses into coma and thereafter often turns fatal.

Doctors initially advise laboratory tests to detect cortisol levels in your body. X-rays of adrenal and pituitary glands help confirm initial diagnosis.

Treatment for Addison’s disease involves replacing the insufficient hormones with oral hydrocortisone and fludrocortisones. Steroid replacement therapy should be continued lifelong. Regular check-ups coupled with monitoring of general health are essential.

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