Tuberculosis (TB) is the most common cause of Addison's disease worldwide, but it's rare in the UK. TB is a bacterial infection that mostly affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of your body. It can cause Addison's disease if it damages your adrenal glands.
Who is at risk for Addison's disease?
Women are more likely than men to develop Addison's disease. This condition occurs most often in people between the ages of 30 and 50, 2 although it can occur at any age, even in children. Secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs in people with certain conditions that affect the pituitary.
How does a person get Addison's disease?
Addison's disease is caused by an autoimmune response , which occurs when the body's immune system (which protects it from infection) assaults its own organs and tissues. With Addison's disease, the immune system attacks the outer portion of the adrenal glands (the cortex), where cortisol and aldosterone are made.
Can you suddenly develop Addison's disease?
Sometimes the signs and symptoms of Addison's disease may appear suddenly. Acute adrenal failure (addisonian crisis) can lead to life-threatening shock. Seek emergency medical treatment if you experience the following signs and symptoms: Severe weakness .
Is Addison's disease caused by stress?
This is called acute adrenal insufficiency , or Addisonian crisis. This can occur when your body is stressed. That can happen for many reasons, such as an illness, fever, surgery, or dehydration. You may also have a crisis if you stop taking your steroids or lower the amount of your steroids suddenly.
What does an adrenal crash feel like?
The adrenal fatigue symptoms are “mostly nonspecific” including being tired or fatigued to the point of having trouble getting out of bed; experiencing poor sleep; feeling anxious, nervous, or rundown; craving salty and sweet snacks; and having “gut problems,” says Nieman.
Can Addisons be cured?
Addison's disease cannot be cured but can be significantly improved with hormone replacement therapy and the avoidance of common triggers. If treated properly, Addison's disease can be brought under control and you can be better assured of living a long and healthy life.
At what age is Addison's disease usually diagnosed?
It can affect people of any age, although it's most common between the ages of 30 and 50 . It's also more common in women than men.
Does Addison's disease shorten your life?
The mean ages at death for females (75.7 years) and males (64.8 years) were 3.2 and 11.2 years less than the estimated life expectancy. Conclusion: Addison's disease is still a potentially lethal condition , with excess mortality in acute adrenal failure, infection, and sudden death in patients diagnosed at young age.
What were your first symptoms of Addison's disease?
- fatigue (lack of energy or motivation)
- lethargy (abnormal drowsiness or tiredness)
- muscle weakness.
- low mood (mild depression) or irritability.
- loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss.
- the need to urinate frequently.
- increased thirst.
- craving for salty foods.
How do you feel with Addison's disease?
Affected individuals may have a poor appetite and unintentional weight loss and may develop progressive fatigue and muscle weakness. Muscle pain (myalgia), muscle spasms and joint pain may also occur. Dehydration can also affect individuals with Addison's disease.
What does your skin look like with Addison's disease?
The appearance of dark patches on the skin is a common symptom of Addison's disease. The discoloration develops over a variety of areas, including: Scars. Elbows, knees, and joints.
What does low cortisol feel like?
Low levels of cortisol can cause weakness, fatigue, and low blood pressure . You may have more symptoms if you have untreated Addison's disease or damaged adrenal glands due to severe stress, such as from a car accident or an infection. These symptoms include sudden dizziness, vomiting, and even loss of consciousness.
Can you gain weight with Addison's disease?
One of the most common signs of this disorder is the feeling of fatigue and sluggishness. However, it is common that people with this disorder experience weight gain , while patients with Addison's disease will lose weight due to the vomiting and anorexia.
Can you drink alcohol with Addison's disease?
Always be prepared for addisonian crisis. DO avoid stress. DO watch your lifestyle. Drink alcohol only in moderation .
Is Addison's disease genetic?
The cause of autoimmune Addison disease is complex and not completely understood . A combination of environmental and genetic factors plays a role in the disorder, and changes in multiple genes are thought to affect the risk of developing the condition.
