Addison’s Disease Signs and Symptoms

Addison’s Disease is a fairly rare autoimmune disorder, affecting about one in every 100,000 people in the United States. It occurs equally among men and women, and the onset is typically between age thirty and fifty. In Addison’s disease, the adrenal cortex does not function properly, leading to high potassium levels, low blood pressure, severe dehydration, and low blood sugar. We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of Addison’s disease below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Signs and Symptoms of Addison’s Disease are as follows:

Fatigue
Weakness
Poor appetite
Intolerance to cold
Nausea and vomiting
Cravings for salt
Hyperpigmentation in the sun-exposed areas of the skin
Dizziness or fainting when standing up
Heightened senses, such as small, taste and hearing
Muscle weakness
Joint pain
Lack of menstrual periods
Decreased sex drive
Behavioral problems
Difficulty thinking and concentrating
White spots on the skin
Decreased body hair

Acute Addison’s disease manifests with:

Nausea, vomiting
Shock
Confusion
Low blood pressure
Dehydration
High fever
Abdominal pain
Coma

Diagnosis of Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease is a fairly rare condition, and a diagnosis should be made by an endocrinologist familiar with the condition. To diagnose Addison’s , a rapid ACTH test is given to measure before and after levels of cortisone and aldosterone. An abdominal CT scan may also be given, to measure changes in the adrenal glands. Thyroid irregularities may also show up in the bloodwork,either as elevated TSH levels and/or thyroid antibodies.

Books For People With Signs and Symptoms of Addison’s Disease

HealthScouter Addison's Disease: Addison Disease Symptoms and Addison's Disease Treatment	The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Addison's Disease: A Revised and Updated Directory for the Internet Age


2009 Conquering Addison's Disease - The Empowered Patient's Complete Reference - Diagnosis, Treatment Options, Prognosis (Two CD-ROM Set)	Living Well with Autoimmune Disease: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know

Causes of Addison’s Disease

Destruction of the Adrenal Gland by the Immune System
Chronic Infections Like Tuberculosis or AIDS
Prolonged Use of Steroid Medication
Tumor Growth
Viral Infections
Pituitary Disease

Addison’s Disease Resources

General Patient Resources

Addison’s Disease .net

Your premier Addison’s Disease Support resource with direct unsurpassed support, patient education and treatment modalities.

www.addisonsdisease.org

Experience Project

Anonymously connect with people who share your experiences– like those who say ‘I Have Addison’s Disease’. Read hundreds of true stories, share your own story anonymously, get feedback and comments, chat in the discussion forum, help others, meet new friends, and so much more– all free.

http://www.experienceproject.com/groups/Have-Addisons-Disease/88948

Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group (UK)

Addison’s Disease Self Help Group (ADSHG) is the UK support group for men, women and children diagnosed with Addison’s Disease (or adrenal insufficency).

www.addisons.org.uk

Thyroid-Info

Part of the Endocrine Resource Center, featuring information on Addison’s Disease, Cushing’s Syndrome and Hyperparathyroidism.

http://www.thyroid-info.com/endocrine/addisons-disease.htm

US Department of Health and Human Services –Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center

Features facts, treatment information, scientific conferences, support groups and clinical trials and research

http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/Condition/5740/Addisons_disease.aspx

Better Medicine

Addison’s Disease Information Including Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Causes, Videos, Forums, and local community support.

http://www.bettermedicine.com/article/addisons-disease

Dusty Hartman – Life With Addison’s Disease

Dusty has Addison’s Disease, a disease of the adrenal glands that when undiagnosed … Below you will find the Addison’s Support forum.

http://addisonssupport.com/

Medical Resources

Mayo Clinic

Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, treatment of this disorder of the adrenal glands.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/addisons-disease/DS00361

Web MD

Get a basic overview of Addison’s disease, a rare condition involving the adrenal glands and hormone production.

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-addisons-disease-basics

Medline Plus

A service of the US National Library of Medicine

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000378.htm