The Basics Of Addison's Disease
Named after Thomas Addison, a graduate of the University of Edinburgh Medical School, who first discovered and described the illness in 1855, Addison’s disease is a rare illness that affects one out of every 100,000 individuals. The disease can affect both men and women of any age, but it is predominantly diagnosed in middle-aged women, and former president John F. Kennedy was known to suffer from the condition as well. Learn more now about this autoimmune condition, its causes, signs and symptoms, and treatment options available for patients afflicted by it.
What Is Addison’s Disease?
Addison’s disease, alternatively known as primary adrenal insufficiency and hypercortisolism, is a rare, long-term endocrine disorder that is the result of the adrenal glands not producing enough steroid hormones, specifically cortisol and aldosterone, throughout the body. The adrenal gland is located above each of the kidneys, and these glands produce essential hormones for a healthy life, and Addison’s disease develops when these glands do not produce enough of these hormones. Specifically, cortisol, the hormone essential for helping the body cope with stress and regulates the body’s use of protein, carbohydrates, fat, maintains blood pressure and cardiovascular function, as well as controls inflammation. The hormone aldosterone also helps the kidneys to regulate the vast amount of salt and water within the body, as well as regulate blood volume and blood pressure. When aldosterone levels suddenly decrease, the kidneys cannot keep the body’s salt and water content balanced, resulting in a sharp drop in blood pressure.
What Causes This Rare Disease?
As previously mentioned, Addison’s disease is the result of the adrenal glands not producing enough of the steroid hormone cortisol and aldosterone. This lack of production by the adrenal glands is due to damage done by the body’s immune system for individuals in the developed world and is caused by tuberculosis in developing nations. Other causes include certain medications, sepsis, and bleeding into both adrenal glands. The majority of the patients dealing with this rare condition is due to an autoimmune disease, which accounts for seventy percent of all cases, and occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the adrenal glands by mistake, destroying the outer layer of the glands.
Long-lasting infections, such as tuberculosis, HIV, and fungal infections can also harm the adrenal glands, and in some instances, cancer cells that spread from other parts of the body to the adrenal glands can also cause Addison’s disease. In rare cases, Addison’s disease can be caused by secondary adrenal insufficiency, which is an issue with the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus not producing enough hormones, both located in the center of the brain.
