Diagnosing Addison's Disease
In its early stages,
Addison's disease can be difficult to diagnose. After asking a number of questions and performing a physical exam, the doctor may recommend certain tests as part of
Addison's disease testing. These tests can include:
- ACTH stimulation test
- CRH stimulation test
- ACTH and cortisol blood levels
- Abdominal x-rays.
Treatment Options for Addison's Disease
There is no cure for Addison's disease. However, Addison's disease can be controlled with medications.
Treatment for Addison's disease involves replacing, or substituting, the hormones that the adrenal glands are not making.
Most people with Addison's disease should expect to lead healthy lives with a normal life expectancy.
Causes of Addison's Disease
Addison's disease occurs because of the destruction of the adrenal cortex. As a result, both cortisol and aldosterone hormones are often lacking.
Addison's disease symptoms usually begin when at least 90 percent of the adrenal cortex has been destroyed.
Although there are numerous
causes of Addison's disease, the most common cause, which is seen in 70 percent of Addison's disease cases, is autoimmune
adrenal insufficiency. Autoimmune adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal cortex is mistakenly destroyed by the body's own immune system. Normally, the immune system protects the body against infection and disease. In an
autoimmune disease, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks some part of your own body. Why the immune system attacks the adrenal cortex is unknown.
Other causes of Addison's disease can include:
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print