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.