مرض أديسون (Addison’s Disease) 

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Addison’s Disease

 

On this page, you will find everything you need to know about Addison’s Disease.

What is Addison’s Disease?

It is a rare disorder of the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys. Addison’s Disease occurs when the adrenal gland does not produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone, causing adrenal insufficiency. Cortisol and aldosterone are essential hormones for bodily functions. Their primary roles include:

  • Cortisol:
  • Regulating blood pressure.
  • Reducing inflammation.
  • Controlling metabolism.

Helping manage blood sugar levels.

  • Aldosterone:
  • Maintaining mineral balance in the body, such as sodium and potassium.
  • Stabilizing blood pressure.

Assisting in muscle and nerve functions.

What are the symptoms of Addison’s Disease?

  • The symptoms may resemble those foundin many other health conditions.
  • Chronic fatigue and lethargy.
  • Dark skin pigmentation.
  • Muscle cramps, weakness, and joint pain.
  • Low blood pressure when standing,leading to dizziness and fainting.
  • Appetite loss and weight loss.
  • Poormood.
  • Headache.
  • Craving salty foods.
  • Abdominal pain.
  •  Thirst and frequent urination.. 

Irregular menstrual cycles.

  • Over time, an adrenal crisis may occur with severe symptoms due to a significant drop in cortisol levels. This is an emergency requiring urgent medical intervention, with indicative symptoms including:
  • Severe dehydration. 
  • Sweating.
  • Pale and cold skin.
  • Dizziness.
  • Rapid breathing.
  • Lowbloodpressure.
  • Severe vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Extreme muscle fatigue and weakness.
  • Headache.

Loss of consciousness.

  • What are the causes of Addison’s Disease?
  • The most common cause of Addison’s Disease is an autoimmune response, in which your immune system attacks healthy tissues for unknown reasons. The immune system attacks the outer layer of the adrenal gland (adrenal cortex), disrupting aldosterone and cortisol production.
  • Recurrent infections, including those related to HIV/AIDS and fungal infections.
  • Bleeding in the adrenal glands.
  • Surgical removal of the adrenal glands. 
  • Secondary adrenal insufficiency: A malfunction in the pituitary gland behind the brain resulting in a deficiency of the adrenal cortex-stimulating hormone.
  • Tertiary adrenal insufficiency: A malfunction in the hypothalamus, located between the brain and pituitarygland, leading to a deficiency of corticotropin, responsible for releasing the adrenal cortex-stimulating hormone.
  • RiskfactorsforAddison’sDiseaseinclude:. 
  •  Family history of Addison’s Disease or other autoimmune diseases, such as vitiligo, type 1 diabetes, or hypothyroidism.

Age: Addison’s Disease can affect people of any age, but is more common in people between 30 and 50 years old.

Use of certain medications to treat asthma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Cushing’s disease.:

  • Tuberculosis.
  • What are the diagnostic methods?
  • The doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. Additional procedures may be requested as necessary, such as:
  • Laboratory tests to measure levels of:ATCH.
  • Cortisol.
  • Aldosterone.
  • ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone).
  • Corticotropin.
  • Measuring electrolytelevels, suchas sodiumand potassium.

ACTH stimulation test.

Thyroid function tests.

  • CT or MRI scans of the adrenal glands.
  • What are the treatments for Addison’s Disease?
  • Treatment depends on the cause and may include:

Hormonal medications are used to replace deficient adrenal hormones.

  • Treating secondary causes, such as tuberculosis.
  • In case of an adrenal crisis, a hydrocortisone injection is administered.
  • As a chronic condition, Addison’s Disease requires long-term management, including:

Adhering to medications to avoid crises.

Carrying a hydrocortisone emergency injection and learning how to use it.

Regular follow-ups with the treating doctor.

  • How can Addison’s Disease be prevented?

There is nothing you can do to prevent Addison’s Disease. However, ensure adherence to the treatment plan.

    1. What are the complications of Addison’s Disease?.
    2. Adrenal crisis requires immediate medical intervention. If untreated, it may lead to:
    3. Seizures.
  • Coma.
  • Death.
  • Sodium deficiency in the blood.

Elevated blood potassium.

  • Hypothyroidism.
  • When should you see a doctor?
  • During an adrenal crisis.

 

Upon noticing most symptoms.

In case of flu infections or diseases that may affect immunity, see a doctor immediately.

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