Questions about Addison’s disease

What are some of the symptoms of Addison’s disease?

• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Muscle weaknesses      
• Dizziness

All these are the results of the malfunctioning of the adrenal glands and the lack of production of the necessary hormones in the body. 

These symptoms are often over looked until something drastic happens to the patient like an accident or surgery which causes the disease to advance even faster. This is called Addisonian crisis and can be characterised by the following symptoms: 

• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Severe pain in back and abdomen
• Uncontrollable nausea and vomiting
• Drop in blood pressure and vascular shut down
• Kidney failure
• Unconsciousness

What are the current cures?

Since Addison’s disease is an autoimmune disease, it is impossible to cure but it is treatable.  Medication taken are adjusted as per individual needs as other medical conditions must be considered. 

Some cortisol/aldosterone replacement medication must be taken if the patient is deficient.

There are natural and holistic remedies which may help relieve the symptoms and improve the patients well being. 

Herbal and homeopathic remedies are also available, which are effective but without the harmful side effects of medicine. 

Could one prevent this metabolic disorder?

It is impossible to prevent Addison’s disease, it can only be controlled. Since it is an autoimmune disease, the activity cannot be turned off once it starts. Addisonian crises, however, can be prevented. Medication must be taken to prevent the disease to escalate and harm the patient heavily. 

References

Addisons.org.uk (2008) Addison's Disease - Symptoms and description. [online] Available at: http://www.addisons.org.uk/info/addisons/page1.html [Accessed: 7 Jul 2012].
Endocrine.niddk.nih.gov (2006) Adrenal Insufficiency and Addison's Disease Page - National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service. [online] Available at: http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/addison/addison.aspx [Accessed: 7 Jul 2012].
Nhs.uk (2011) Addison's Disease - Treatment - NHS Choices. [online] Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Addisons-disease/Pages/Treatment.aspx [Accessed: 7 Jul 2012].