Symptoms of Addison's Disease (Cont.)

Symptoms of Addison's Disease During Addisonian Crisis

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.
 
Symptoms of an addisonian crisis include:
 
  • Sudden penetrating pain in the lower back, abdomen, or legs
  • Severe vomiting and diarrhea
  • Dehydration
  • Low blood pressure
  • Loss of consciousness.
     
If left untreated, an addisonian crisis can be fatal.
 

Symptoms of Addison's Disease: Summary

The possible symptoms of Addison's disease mentioned above are not sure signs of Addison's disease. Other problems can also cause these symptoms. Anyone with possible symptoms of Addison's disease should see their doctor. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD