Adrenal Gland Disorder - Addison's Disease

Addison's Disease

Symptoms

Each adrenal gland in a body contains what is called a medulla. Every medulla is protected by a tough coating, called the cortex. The medulla has nothing to do with the cause of Addison's Disease. It is primarily the cortex which is responsible for regulating how much water is in your body and of course, the blood that flows from one's liver. This disease usually is not noticeable until the cortex has been completely wrecked. Unfortunately, there are many negative factors that must take place when being diagnosed with Addison's disease. This usually will contain: major weight loss, sudden dizziness from having very low blood pressure, and excruciating pains in your stomach muscles. It has been recorded that many people have to also deal with a rare occasion of vomiting and nausea.

Causes

Addison’s disease is caused when there is a failure to produce adequate levels of cortisol. This can be caused by a disorder of the adrenal glands, autoimmune disorder. The disorder causes the body’s immune system to gradually destroy the adrenal cortex.

Treatments

With medications, such as replacement corticosteroids, its symptoms can be controlled. However, these drugs must be taken for life. People often receive glucocorticoids (cortisone or hydrocortisone) and mineralocorticoids (fludrocortisone) to control their symptoms. In Addison’s disease, the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldersterone; therefore, the drugs replace these missing hormones. For immediate treatment, hydrocortisone, salt water, and sugar can help in the adrenal crisis. An adrenal crisis is an extreme form of adrenal insufficiency, therefore, hydrocortisone must be injected immediately if one were to experience it.