Addison's Disease -- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

You have been given the diagnosis of Addison's Disease or Adrenal Insufficiency, you are not alone. Although this is a rare disorder, only 1 in 100,000 have Addison's Disease, there are support systems available. One of the most useful tools is the internet, where you may read articles about the disease or find a support group in your area or come together by means of a forum or message board. Support groups, forums or message boards allow interchange with other Addison's patients who have been where you are now, or ,like yourself are seeking to learn about the disease. I will be giving you links that will help you find such support and information.For those who are interested in knowing more about Addison's Disease, it is a failure of the adrenal glands, two small glands located above each kidney. Adrenal Insufficiency can also occur due to pituitary disease or injury. This is referred to as secondary adrenal insufficiency. Primary Addison's Disease is due to the glands themselves failing. This can be due to autoimmune antibodies which attack the gland cortex ultimately causing them to stop producing cortisol and aldosterone. Other causes include hemorrhaging, Tuberculosis and certain fungus infections. Patients are given gluco-corticosteroids and fludro-corticosteroids to replace both cortisol and aldosterone.
Symtoms:
Hyperpigmentation (primary Addison's Disease)
Weightloss
Fatigue
Low blood pressure
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Salt craving
Orthostatic Hypotension
You will find much more information on Addisons Village Forum. Please visit and become part of our online support message board. Addisons Village Forum - Learn To Live & Cope.
http://s12.invisionfree.com/apeoplevillage/index.php?&&CODE=00
Here are some useful links about Addison's Disease
Mayo Clinic.com
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/addisons-disease/DS00361/DSECTION=3
Addisons Village Forum - Learn To Live & Cope
http://s12.invisionfree.com/apeoplevillage/index.php?showtopic=745
The above link is to a compilation of useful links found on my forum.