Addison’s Disease (Adrenal Insufficiency)

Addison's Disease occurs when the adrenal glands that sit on top of the kidneys are damaged and do not make enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones give instructions to many other organs and tissues in the body. Addison’s disease affects boys and girls and can be life-threatening. Symptoms include:

Extreme fatigue
Low blood pressure, fainting
Decreased appetite and weight loss
Salt craving
Skin darkening
Nausea
Abdominal and joint pain

Addison’s disease can be caused by:

Autoimmune conditions
Infections, such as tuberculosis
Cancer or bleeding that spreads to the adrenal glands

Treatments include taking hormones to replace those not being made by the adrenal glands, to restore normal body functions.