Private MD Labs offers the following panel to help diagnose Addison's Disease:
What is Addison's disease?
Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands (located above each kidney) do not work normally and do not produce enough hormones. Addison's disease may also be called chronic adrenal insufficiency or hypocortisolism.
How does it occur?
The adrenal glands, located near the top of each kidney, produce several types of hormones, including corticosteroids. These hormones affect a number of body functions, including blood pressure, the levels of minerals such as sodium and potassium in the body, defenses against infection and stress, and sugar levels in the blood.
The adrenal glands may stop producing enough hormones when they are damaged by infection, an autoimmune response, or cancer. This may also happen if you have been taking corticosteroid medicine on a regular basis and then stop taking it suddenly. Sometimes the adrenal glands stop working if the pituitary gland stops working normally.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of Addison's disease may start slowly. They include:
You may not notice your symptoms until your body is stressed by an infection, injury, or surgery. The stress may cause an Addisonian crisis. Without treatment, an Addisonian crisis can be fatal. Signs and symptoms of Addisonian crisis are:
How is it diagnosed?
Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine you. You may have the following tests:
Urine tests to measure:
ACTH stimulation test (a test that checks the response of your adrenal glands to a pituitary gland hormone)
CT scan of the adrenal glands or pituitary gland.
Private MD Labs offers the following panel to help diagnose Addison's Disease:
How is it treated?
Addison's disease is treated with replacement hormones. Your health care provider will prescribe a corticosteroid such as prednisone. You will need to take prednisone the rest of your life.
If the disease has affected the level of minerals in your body, your health care provider may also prescribe fludrocortisone. This medicine will help your body return to a normal balance of the minerals sodium and potassium. You may be able to stop taking fludrocortisone after a while.
How long do the effects last?
Addison's disease is a lifelong condition. With proper treatment, crises may be avoided and you will be able to lead a normal life.
How can I take care of myself?
How can I help prevent Addison's disease?
There is no way to prevent Addison's disease.