How do you get addisons disease

You cannot produce enough cortisol and, usually, also cannot produce enough aldosterone. These symptoms can develop quickly especially in children and teenagers , or progress slowly over years.

Many symptoms can mimic other diseases, so diagnosis can be delayed. Cortisol is produced by the outer layer of your adrenal gland, called the adrenal cortex. The amount of cortisol released by your adrenal glands is closely monitored by the master gland of your endocrine system, the pituitary, which is located below the brain in the base of your skull.

The workings of the pituitary are governed by a brain structure called the hypothalamus. When cortisol levels are too low, the pituitary secretes the stimulating hormone adrenocorticotropin ACTH.

On the other hand, high levels of cortisol cause the pituitary gland to decrease ACTH secretion, which slows cortisol production. Cortisol plays many vital roles and is essential to many body functions because it:.

Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid, produced by the adrenal cortex. The amount of aldosterone in your body is monitored by your kidneys, which secrete hormones to increase or decrease aldosterone production. Aldosterone regulates electrolytes such as sodium and potassium in the blood. This helps to maintain blood pressure and heart function. If your kidneys excrete too much sodium, you will also lose a considerable amount of body fluid.

This reduces your blood volume and makes your blood pressure drop. Too much or too little potassium can affect the way your heart functions. Around seven out of 10 cases of Addison's disease are caused by an autoimmune response, where the body's own immune cells attack and destroy the adrenal glands.

In some cases, other glands of the endocrine system are affected by an autoimmune response, in a condition called polyendocrine deficiency syndrome. Both types tend to run in families. Type I is more common in children. Symptoms include underactive parathyroid, pernicious anaemia, recurring candida infections, chronic active hepatitis and slow sexual development.

Type II , also known as Schmidt's syndrome, is more common in younger adults. Symptoms include underactive thyroid, type 1 diabetes and, less commonly, vitiligo a skin condition.

Other conditions related to primary adrenal deficiency are:. Treatment for primary adrenal deficiency is with glucocorticoid cortisol and mineralocorticoid aldosterone replacement, for life. It is caused when the pituitary gland is unable to produce enough ACTH adrenocorticotropic hormone , which means the adrenal glands aren't prompted to secrete cortisol.

Hypothalamic disease may also lead to adrenal insufficiency. This is known as tertiary adrenal insufficiency, although often pituitary and hypothalamic causes are sometimes referred to together as secondary adrenal insufficiency. Causes of secondary adrenal insufficiency may include:. If untreated, an Addisonian crisis can be fatal. It may be caused by:. Not all symptoms occur on all occasions, but nausea, fatigue and dizziness are common early symptoms.

Addison's disease can be deadly. Treatment often starts with IV intravenous fluids and medicines called corticosteroids. You may take these medicines by mouth or by IV. You may have to take them for the rest of your life. You may also need to take other medicines fludrocortisones. These can help keep your body's sodium and potassium levels normal.

You may have sudden severe symptoms. 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. But if an Addisonian crisis is not treated, it can lead to:. Take your medicine exactly as prescribed. You should also carry a medical alert card or tag at all times. This can make sure you get proper treatment if there is an emergency. When traveling always carry an emergency kit with a shot of cortisol.

Any condition that stresses your body can affect how much medicine you need. Call your healthcare provider if:. It is rare. Mild symptoms may be seen only when a person is under physical stress.

Other symptoms may include weakness, fatigue, and weight loss. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. But many people with Addison's disease also find they must learn to manage bouts of fatigue, and there may be associated health conditions, such as diabetes or an underactive thyroid.

People with Addison's disease must be constantly aware of the risk of a sudden worsening of symptoms, called an adrenal crisis. This can happen when the levels of cortisol in your body fall significantly.

An adrenal crisis is a medical emergency. If left untreated, it can be fatal. If you or someone you know has Addison's disease and is experiencing severe symptoms, dial for an ambulance. This helps scientists look for better ways to prevent and treat this condition.

You can opt out of the register at any time. Find out more about the register. Page last reviewed: 14 June Next review due: 14 June Symptoms of Addison's disease Early-stage symptoms of Addison's disease are similar to other more common health conditions, such as depression or flu.