Addison's Disease
Alternate Names : Primary Adrenocortical Insufficiency, Primary Adrenal Failure, Hypocortisolism
What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
In most cases, the symptoms come on gradually.
Addison disease commonly causes these symptoms:
skin changes with areas of dark tanning, which is most visible on scars, skin
folds, mucous membranes, and pressure points such as elbows, knees, and
knuckles
low blood pressure,
which may cause dizziness
or fainting if a
person stands up too fast
nausea,
vomiting,
and diarrhea
chronic, worsening muscle weakness
and fatigue
loss of appetite
and weight loss
irritability and
depression
craving of salty foods due to salt imbalance in the body
low blood glucose levels, called hypoglycemia,
which is more severe in children than in adults
irregular or absent menstrual periods in women
If symptoms progress too long without treatment, the person may
go into an addisonian crisis. Symptoms of this crisis include:
sudden, piercing pain in the abdomen, lower back, or legs
severe vomiting
and diarrhea
dehydration
dangerously low blood pressure
loss of consciousness
Without treatment, addisonian crisis can be fatal.
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