ADDISON'S DISEASE

• What is addison's
• Adrenal gland don't make enough cortisol hormone
• Cortisol function is to help the body
• Respond to stress it help regulate fat maintain
• B/p control inflammation

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Chronic fatigue and muscle weakness.
• Loss of appetite, inability to digest food, and weight loss.
• Moodiness, irritability, and depression

Often, it's first detected through routine blood tests or to check for sodium, potassium and white blood cell levels. The doctor will also check for hyperpigmentation, or darkening, of the skin or gums -- a sign of long-term Addison's

Since Addison's disease is caused by a lack of normal hormones produced by the adrenal glands, it can be treated by replacing those hormones. This can be done with once- or twice-daily tablets of hydrocortisone, a steroid hormone. If needed, aldosterone can be replaced with a synthetic steroid, fludrocortisone acetate (brand name Florinef), which is taken orally once a day. These medications need to be increased during times of stress, infection, surgery, or injury.

Addison's disease is a rare condition. Only one in 100,000 people has it. It can happen at any age to either men or women. People with Addison's disease can lead normal lives as long as they take their medication. President John F. Kennedy had the condition.

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Addison's disease
Webmd.com