Addison's disease is a condition characterized by weight loss, muscle weakness, and low blood pressure. This eMedTV article further discusses the causes of the disease, possible symptoms, and treatments that are available.
As explained in this eMedTV article, autoimmune adrenal insufficiency, the most common form of Addison's disease, occurs when the immune system attacks the adrenal cortex. This page also covers symptoms and treatment options for the illness.
Causes of Addison's disease are linked to the destruction of the adrenal cortex. As described in this eMedTV article, one of the most common causes of Addison's disease and the destruction of the adrenal cortex is autoimmune disease.
Possible symptoms of Addison's disease include chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, and nausea. This eMedTV article describes several other symptoms of this condition, including weight loss, diarrhea, and low blood pressure.
A diagnosis of Addison's disease is typically made through laboratory tests. This eMedTV page describes the process of diagnosing Addison's disease, which often includes asking questions and performing a physical exam.
Addison's disease testing involves lab tests and abdominal x-rays. This eMedTV article offers an in-depth look at specific lab tests used as Addison's disease tests, such as the CRH stimulation test.
Addison's disease treatment is administered through oral medication. This portion of the eMedTV archives offers a detailed description of the drugs (such as hydrocortisone tablets or mineralocorticoids) that are used for Addison's disease treatment.
As this eMedTV segment explains, an addisonian crisis occurs when a stressful event causes existing symptoms of Addison's disease to become life-threatening. This article explains the symptoms to look for and offers prevention strategies.
Living with Addison's disease can be tiring at times because the illness requires ongoing treatment. This eMedTV article offers advice on how to make living with Addison's disease easier, including tips on traveling and handling stressful events.
Because sufficient hormone production does not occur in people with Addison's disease, surgery often involves special treatment. This eMedTV Web page discusses Addison's disease and surgery, including information about hormone injections.
As explained in this eMedTV segment, most women dealing with the combination of Addison's disease and pregnancy have uncomplicated pregnancies. This article discusses medication regimens associated with Addison's disease and pregnancy.
Primary adrenal insufficiency can occur when the adrenal glands stop making certain hormones. This eMedTV article offers a detailed description of this condition, including information on its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and more.
