Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of Addison’s diseases is not known however it is put forth that addison’s diseases is an autoimmune disorder where the body produces antibodies which destroy the adrenal cells; as a result the production of the hormones decreases. Addison’s diseases can be caused due to other factors also like surgical intervention on adrenal or pituitary gland, certain infection and cancerous condition in the body. A person suffering from an autoimmune disorder is more prone for developing another autoimmune diseases. Long term use of steroid medication also increases the chances of developing Addison’s disease.
Clinical presentation:
Symptoms develop gradually. The patient commonly complaint of weight loss inspite of good appetite. Increase perspiration occurs. Weakness, fatigue and pigmentation on skin are seen. The person craves for salt and suffers from nausea, vomiting, pain in joints. There occurs altered bowel movements and irregularities of menses is seen. Depression, mood swings and irritability occurs, the memory is also affected. In certain cases sudden fall of Cortisol levels can lead to “Addison’s crisis”, which is characterized by pain in abdomen, severe nausea and vomiting, diarrhea. There occurs fall in blood pressure, dehydration occurs and person may collapse.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done on the basis of symptoms narrated by the patient and the examination carried out by the doctor. Short synacthen test is diagnostic. Certain investigations like routine blood test, biochemical tests and anti adrenalin antibody test are suggested.Xray, Ultrasound scanning and CT scan of the abdomen can also be advised.
Treatment:
Administration of medication is the only line of treatment in Addison’s. Cortisol replacement is the intervention adopted. It is either administered orally or through injections. Addison’s crisis is a serious condition where hospital admission is necessary and close monitoring is required. Cortisol replacement intravenously is done.
Other modes of symptoms:
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating Addison’s. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
