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Addison's disease is a rare but serious disease which affects the adrenal glands located just above each kidney. Someone who suffers Addison's disease can't produce hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone, both of which are necessary for the body to function properly. Addison's disease is progressive, which means it develops or worsens over time, but can be controlled with hormone replacement therapy.
What causes Addison's disease?
Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce certain hormones. These hormones, called corticosteroids, help the body deal with stress and other health events. Addison's disease can be triggered by cancer, infection, injury or any other condition that damages the adrenal or pituitary glands or the hypothalamus.
Is Addison's disease serious?
Addison's is a chronic disorder that progresses as the individual ages. People with Addison's disease must receive treatment for the rest of their lives. Sometimes, a rare condition, called Addisonian crisis can occur, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.
Can I prevent Addison's disease?
Addison's caused by injury or disease can be prevented to an extent. However, once your child has Addison's disease, he will have it for life. The disease can be controlled.
How do I know if my child has Addison's disease?
The symptoms of Addison's disease often take months to develop and may include any of the following:
- Muscle weakness and fatigue
- Weight loss and decreased appetite
- Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
- Low blood pressure; fainting
- Salt cravings
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) - this is especially common in children
- Nausea, diarrhoea and/or vomiting
- Muscle and/or joint pains
How do I treat Addison's disease?
Addison's disease is treated with a regular regimen of hormone replacement. The hormones that the body should normally produce, but which are not produced by people with adrenal failure, must be replaced. The two most common replacement hormones, hydrocortisone and fludrocortisones, can be taken orally or by injection.
Should I call the doctor?
You should always call the doctor if you suspect your child has Addison's disease. Your doctor will likely refer you to a specialist called an endocrinologist for treatment.
You should also seek immediate medical treatment if your child shows signs of Addisonian crisis, a serious medical condition in which the symptoms of the disease suddenly worsen. Symptoms of Addisonian crisis include:
- Pain in the lower back, abdomen, or legs
- Severe vomiting and diarrhea (can lead to dehydration)
- Low blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
- High potassium (hyperkalemia)
What you need to know about Addison's disease
- Addison's disease is a rare medical condition in which the body's adrenal glands don't produce hormones.
- Addison's disease can be caused by illness, injury, cancer or any other condition that damages the adrenal glands.
- Addison's disease is manageable with a regular regimen of hormone replacement therapy.
- Addisonian crisis, a serious medical condition in which the symptoms of Addison's suddenly become much worse, is life-threatening. Seek immediate emergency treatment.
Find more relevant articles and information about these conditions:
- Read more about hyperthyroidism
- Find out more about gland and hormone conditions
- What is diabetes?
- What is hypothyroidism?
Written by Rebecca Stigall for Kidspot, Australia's parenting resource for family health. Sources include Better Health Channel, NSW Health and Health Insite.
Last revised: Wednesday, 20 January 2010
This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.