Adrenal glands are two small
glands which are located on top of the kidney. These glands produce many
hormones which are required for the normal functioning of the body. Two
important hormones which are produced by these glands are cortisol and
aldosterone. When the adrenal glands get damaged and do not product sufficient
of these two hormones it causes Addison’s diseases. The cortisol hormone
controls the body’s reaction to stressful situations and aldosterone hormone is
necessary for regulating sodium and potassium in the body.
The Addison’s disease is a rare
disorder that affects 1 in 100,000 people. This disease can affect people of
any age group and gender. People who have this disease can lead a normal life
as long as they take the medication throughout their life without missing any
dose. These people must be aware of the risks related to sudden worsening of
the symptoms. This situation is called as addisonian crisis and this happens
when the cortisol hormone in the body reduces considerably. The addisonian
crisis is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
The signs and symptoms of Addison’s disease are;
·
Muscle
pain
·
Fainting
·
Skin
darkening
·
Loss
of appetite or weight loss
·
Reduction
in heart rate
·
Low
blood pressure
·
Low
blood sugar
·
Salt
craving
·
Nausea
·
Vomiting
·
Sores
in mouth
·
Irritability
·
Loss
of body hair
Some of the symptoms of
addisonian crisis are;
·
Confusion
·
Restlessness
·
High
fever
·
Sudden
pain in lower back, abdomen or legs
If Addisonian crisis if not
treated on time with proper medication it can lead to shock and eventually
death.
Causes of Addison’s disease:
The
Addison’s disease is
classified into two types which are - primary adrenal insufficiency and
secondary adrenal insufficiency. The doctor will need to first know which type
of Addison’s disease the patient is suffering from to provide the right
treatment.
Primary
Adrenal Insufficiency
Primary adrenal Insufficiency is
caused when the adrenal glands get so badly damaged that iit does not produce
hormones in the required quantity. This occurs when the immune system attacks
the adrenal glands and this is also known as an autoimmune disease. In such a scenario,
the immune system of the body attacks a particular organ or part as it mistakes
it for a virus, bacteria or some foreign invader.
The other causes of primary
adrenal insufficiency are;
·
Infection
in the adrenal gland
·
Cancer
that spreads to the adrenal glands
·
Bleeding
into the adrenal glands
·
Prolonged
administration of glucocorticoids
Secondary
Adrenal Insufficiency
Secondary adrenal insufficiency
is caused when the pituitary gland which is located in the brain is unable to
produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The ACTH stimulates the adrenal
cortex to produce its hormones.
This secondary adrenal
insufficiency can also occur if a person takes corticosteroid medications
prescribed by the doctor. This medication is usually taken to control chronic
illnesses like asthma.
People who are at risk of developing Addison’s disease:
A person is more at risk of getting the
Addison’s disease in the following cases;
·
Suffering from cancer
·
Taking blood thinners
·
Suffering from chronic illnesses
like tuberculosis
·
Has undergone a surgery to remove
a part of the adrenal gland
·
Suffering from an autoimmune illness
like type 1 diabetes
Diagnosing Addison’s disease:
The doctor will make a note of
the medical history and the signs or symptoms the patient is suffering from.
The doctor will also conduct a physical examination and advice to do certain
lab tests to check the potassium and sodium levels in the body. The doctor may
also suggest imaging
tests and measure the hormone levels.
Treatment of Addison’s disease:
The
treatment of this disease will be basis the cause of the problem. The doctor
can suggest some medicines to regulate the adrenal gland. It is very important
for the patient to follow the treatment plan by taking the medicines as
prescribed by the doctor in the right quantity and right time. If this disease
is left untreated it can worsen the symptoms and cause Addisonian crisis which
is very fatal. The doctor will have to
then prescribe medication to treat the symptoms of this crisis first so as to
avoid any further complications.
The patient may have to take glucocorticoids medicines which are
useful to stop the inflammation
and improve the health. These medicines have to be continued lifelong without
missing any dose.
Hormone replacement may also be suggested to replace the
hormones which are not being produced by the adrenal glands.
Apart from medication it is
important for patients to manage their stress levels. Certain life events like
loss of a loved one or an injury or accident can increase the stress levels and
this has an impact on the way the body responds to the medicines take for this
disease. The patient must discuss with the doctor on alternate therapies to
manage stress levels lie yoga, meditation etc.
Certain other factors that will
be beneficial for a patient suffering from Addison’s disease during a medical
emergency are;
· Always keep a medical alert card
or bracelet -
In cases where the patient is incapacitated, this will help the medical
practitioner to know what kind of treatment is required to be given
· Stock extra medication – In this disease the patient
cannot miss even a single dose of medication every day. So it will be a good
idea to stock some extra medicines at the work place, vacation homes and in
carry bags. And the patient can also ask the doctor to prescribe an injectable form
of corticosteroids to be used during an emergency.
· Remain in constant touch with
the doctor –
The patient must be in touch with the doctor to ensure that he/she has
sufficient doses of replacement hormones but it should not be excessive. Also
if the patient is having continuous problems due to the medication the doctor
will have to make certain adjustments in the doses and the timings of taking
the medicines.
