Addison’s Disease Explained: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Question. Write briefly on Addison’s disease.

Answer. Addison’s disease or primary hypoadrenalism results from the destruction of the adrenal cortex by a variety of pathological processes.

Addison’s Disease Etiology

It is caused due to autoimmune adrenalitis.
Infections, i.e. TB, cytomegalovirus, and fungal infection, are associated with AIDS.
By tumors
Inherited disorders, i.e. adrenoleukodystrophies and familial isolated glucocorticoid defiiency.

Addison’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Clinical Features Of Addison’s Disease

Pigmentation of skin and mucus membrane: There is bluish-black discoloration of lips, gums, and the posterior aspect of the palate.
Gastrointestinal symptoms: Anorexia, nausea and vomiting.
Constipation with intermittent diarrhea, achlorhydria, and abdominal pain
Cardiovascular system: Postural hypotension and faintness may result. Dyspnea is also present.
Muscular system: Muscular weakness and wasting with creatinuria. Sometimes cramps in muscles are present.
Mental and nervous: Muscle weakness and lassitude (exhaustion) are the first symptoms to appear. Loss of memory and drowsiness.
Genital system: Impotence and *amenorrhea are present.
Renal system: Renal function is impaired and the excretion of urine is diminished.

Causes of Addison’s Disease and Its Symptoms

Investigation Of Addison’s Disease

Treatment Of Addison’s Disease

Cortisone substitution: Hydrocortisone 20 mg TDS for 72 hours. For maintenance, the dose is 20 mg in the morning and 10 mg in the evening.
Aldosterone substitution: Fludrocortisone 50 μg BD is started.
Salt: Patients with diarrhea or profuse sweating should be given an additional 3–6 gm of sodium chloride daily.

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