Addison's Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Adrenal glands in the human body play an important role, since they are responsible for the production of several types of hormones. Addison's disease is a lesion of the endocrine system, the main manifestation of which is adrenal dysfunction. It occurs rarely, but it is very serious. During the course of the disease, both adrenal glands are affected. The most common cause of the disease is an autoimmune process. In this case, the adrenal glands undergo physiological changes, because of which they decrease.

In addition, the causes of the disease can be venereal diseases (syphilis), adrenal tuberculosis, AIDS, amyloidosis and even cancerous lesions. Addison's disease is serious enough and has pronounced symptoms. First of all, the patient feels a weakness in the muscles, as there is a sharp drop in blood pressure. This condition is accompanied by depression and severe weight loss, which is difficult to stop.

In another way, the presented disease is called "bronze disease", as there is a change in skin pigmentation: it begins to darken and brightly manifests itself against the background of areas with a normal shade. Food to sick people seems unsalted, so they begin to consume salt in large quantities. If adrenal damage is observed in children, then a decrease in glucose level can be detected in their blood.

Symptoms of adrenal disease in women are expressed by complete or partial cessation of menstrual bleeding. If the disease is greatly progressing, there may be a violation of the swallowing process, as well as convulsions, arrhythmia.

If the symptoms manifest suddenly, then the person is in crisis: the pressure drops dramatically and sharply, a sharp cutting pain in the abdomen and legs appears. The patient begins strong vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes he can lose consciousness. If you do not call an ambulance on time, the patient may die.

In addition to obvious symptoms, a biochemical blood test is done to confirm the diagnosis.

Addison's disease requires immediate treatment, which consists in hormone therapy. The purpose of the drugs depends on which hormone is not enough in the body. The doctor signs the drug intake card. In no case can you change it yourself or increase the dosage. Also have to adhere to a certain diet.

During the crisis, symptomatic therapy with the introduction of intramuscular and intravenous drugs is carried out. If all activities are carried out on time, then the crisis quickly passes. This disease can provoke a hemorrhage in the adrenal glands. If it is large enough, it can cause death.

Addison's disease does not heal completely, however, with the help of qualified treatment the patient's life can be considerably extended and facilitated. Although the patient will have to change their habits and lifestyle.