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Addison Disease
Urgent
Addison disease is a disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough of certain hormones, particularly cortisol and, in many cases, aldosterone. The condition can develop when the adrenal glands are damaged, most commonly through an autoimmune process. Symptoms may develop gradually and can include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and changes in blood pressure.
Body System
Neck & Thyroid
When to Seek Medical Attention
Addison disease requires ongoing hormone replacement and medical follow-up. Seek prompt medical attention for worsening weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, dizziness, low blood pressure, or inability to take prescribed steroid medication. Emergency assessment is required for suspected adrenal crisis with severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, severe weakness, confusion, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, or severe low blood pressure.
Symptoms
3
Causes
2
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Addison disease is a disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough of certain hormones, particularly cortisol and, in many cases, aldosterone. The condition can develop when the adrenal glands are damaged, most commonly through an autoimmune process. Symptoms may develop gradually and can include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and changes in blood pressure.
Symptoms 3
Ankle Swelling
Fatigue
Weight Loss
Causes 2
Addison disease most commonly develops when the immune system attacks and damages the adrenal glands. Other causes can include infections such as tuberculosis, bleeding into the adrenal glands, tumors, certain inherited conditions, and other forms of adrenal damage. The underlying cause determines how much adrenal hormone production is affected and how the condition develops.
Autoimmune Disorder
Chronic Disease
Risk Factors
Risk factors for Addison disease depend on the underlying cause. The autoimmune form is more likely in people who have other autoimmune conditions, including autoimmune thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, vitiligo, pernicious anemia, or hypoparathyroidism. Other forms may be associated with infections, adrenal bleeding, tumors, or certain rare inherited conditions.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis of Addison disease involves assessment of symptoms, medical history, and hormone testing. Blood tests may show low cortisol levels and abnormalities in sodium or potassium. An ACTH stimulation test is commonly used to assess how well the adrenal glands respond to stimulation. Additional hormone tests, antibody testing, and imaging may help identify the underlying cause.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Addison disease cannot always be prevented because autoimmune and other underlying causes may not be avoidable
Early recognition of symptoms and appropriate medical evaluation can help identify adrenal hormone deficiency before serious complications develop
People with known adrenal insufficiency should follow prescribed treatment and medical advice to reduce the risk of severe hormone deficiency and related emergencies
Prevention Guidance
Addison disease cannot always be prevented because autoimmune and other underlying causes may not be avoidable. Early recognition of symptoms and appropriate medical evaluation can help identify adrenal hormone deficiency before serious complications develop. People with known adrenal insufficiency should follow prescribed treatment and medical advice to reduce the risk of severe hormone deficiency and related emergencies.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Fresh Fruits
Provide vitamins and minerals.
Protein Rich Foods
Support strength and recovery.
Adequate Salt Intake
May help maintain electrolyte balance.
Foods to Avoid
Highly Processed Foods
Poor nutritional value.
Excess Sugar
May worsen metabolic health.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
It is a disorder where adrenal glands produce insufficient hormones.
Fatigue, weight loss and low blood pressure are common.
Autoimmune damage is a common cause.
Hormone tests and imaging studies are used.
Yes, hormone replacement therapy is effective.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.