Because the
symptoms of Addison's disease progress slowly, they are usually ignored until a stressful event like an illness or an accident causes them to become worse. This is called an
addisonian crisis, or acute
adrenal insufficiency. In most cases, symptoms are severe enough that patients seek medical treatment before a crisis occurs. However, in about 25 percent of patients, symptoms of
Addison's disease first appear during an addisonian crisis.
An addisonian crisis can cause life-threatening complications unless immediate treatment is provided.
Living With Addison's Disease
People with Addison's disease should learn as much as possible about their disease and about situations that can cause a hormone deficiency. People should also talk with their friends and family about Addison's disease. Understanding early warning signs of an adrenal crisis and ways to minimize an adrenal crisis can help people live healthy lives.
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