The adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, produce certain hormones that ensure the proper functioning of the body. When these glands cease to function and stop producing these essential hormones, it results in Addison’s disease. The condition drastically impacts the affected individual’s quality of life. Though it can occur in men and women of all ages, Addison’s disease is extremely rare. Read on to learn more about its causes, signs, and treatments.

What causes Addison’s disease?
Addison’s disease, also known as Addison’s insufficiency, is a rare disorder of the endocrine glands, a group of glands responsible for producing hormones. The adrenal glands, a vital part of the endocrine system, secrete two essential hormones: cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol helps react to stress due to illness or injury and regulates heart function, immune system function, blood pressure, and blood glucose. On the other hand, aldosterone helps regulate sodium levels and maintain fluid balance. When the adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient levels of these hormones, it might lead to Addison’s disease.

Various factors can cause the adrenal glands to produce less cortisol and aldosterone. To understand these factors, we must learn about the condition’s types:

Primary adrenal insufficiency
Primary AI occurs when the adrenal cortex (the outer region of the adrenal gland) does not produce sufficient cortisol hormone. The condition is usually triggered when the immune system attacks and destroys the cells of the adrenal cortex, mistaking them for foreign substances. The causes of primary AI are:

Tuberculosis
Type 1 diabetes
Amyloidosis (accumulation of protein in the organs)
Vitiligo
Hypothyroidism
Indiscriminate usage of specific treatments
Cancer or tumor development in the adrenal gland

Secondary adrenal insufficiency
This type of adrenal insufficiency occurs due to the pituitary gland’s inadequate production of ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormones). In such circumstances, the adrenal cortex does not produce aldosterone, cortisol, and androgen, inducing the development of Addison’s disease. The causes of secondary AI are:

Benign pituitary tumors
Inflammation or swelling of the pituitary gland
Surgery in the pituitary gland
Specific treatments
Traumatic injury to the brain cells
Genetics

What are the symptoms?
The signs develop gradually over time. Unfortunately, many people tend to ignore them initially, which worsens the condition. Some common symptoms to look out for are:

Severe fatigue
Reduced appetite
Cravings for salt
Low blood pressure and blood sugar
Nausea or vomiting
Hyperpigmentation
Depression
Abdominal pain or diarrhea, leading to dehydration
Mouth sores
Pain in the joints or muscles
Fainting in rare cases
Depression
Abdominal pain
Loss of body hair
Trouble sleeping due to insomnia or other sleep problems

Individuals who experience these symptoms should visit a healthcare professional. If a doctor suspects the possibility of Addison’s disease, they will review the person’s health history. They may then examine one’s skin for hyperpigmentation. If there are no signs of hyperpigmentation, the patient’s blood pressure will be monitored since Addison’s is associated with hypertension. In addition, blood tests will be suggested to determine the body’s sodium, potassium, and cortisol levels.

How is Addison’s disease treated?
The condition has no cure, but treatment helps manage the symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. The treatment plan will differ depending on the cause. Possible options include:

Hormone replacement therapy
This is among the most valuable options that help keep the body functioning correctly. It involves administering treatments that perform the work of the hormones that the adrenal glands no longer produce. One should consult a healthcare expert before using these treatments, as the wrong dosage can lead to severe side effects.

Stress management
Managing stress is critical since extreme stress can cause acute adrenal failure. Meditation or yoga is a useful way to relax. It helps people stay calm while handling difficult situations that can raise blood pressure and worsen their symptoms.

Modifications in the meal plan
Addison’s disease decreases aldosterone levels, which might induce cravings for salt. Since a high-sodium meal plan might cause kidney diseases, one should choose foods wisely. Eating sea salt and sea vegetables in moderation should help one manage their cravings without suffering from side effects. Patients should also eat foods rich in vitamin D and calcium, such as yogurt, milk, kefir, kale, broccoli, beans, and almonds. These can help tackle osteoporosis, a common side effect of Addison’s disease treatments.

When left untreated, Addison’s disease might lead to acute adrenal failure. One should follow the treatment plan and monitor the condition’s progression to avoid complications. If the symptoms worsen, patients should visit the doctor for a re-examination. The expert might modify the treatment plan depending on the situation.