Addison's Disease

Addison’s disease is a rare disease, also called adrenal insufficiency. Named after Thomas Addison, Addison’s disease is “caused by partial or complete failure of the adrenal cortex, which is the outer layer of the adrenal glands” (HealthCentral). This disorder occurs when the body fails to produce sufficient amounts of the hormones cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenal androgens. These are essential to the body because they produce hormones that control many bodily functions. The inadequate production of cortisol and often deficient levels of aldosterone and adrenal androgens can result in the body attacking itself (autoimmune disease), thus becoming life-threatening. When these hormones are not producing sufficiently it can be detrimental to the body because they are essential for life. The MayoClinic website states the hormone cortisol is necessary and without it can result in excessive levels of potassium and low levels of salt, causing an electrolyte imbalance in the body. It can also hinder the body’s ability to convert foods into energy, affects the body’s inflammatory response, and impede the body’s ability to respond to stress appropriately. It also can affect a person’s overall mental well-being by influencing sexual development among males and females by causing diminished libido and muscle mass.

Though Addison’s disease affects both male and females, it also affects children. Its most predominant in females than males but more likely to occur between the ages of 30-50 in both. According to Webscape, children who are predisposed have a 30% risk of progression to Addison’s disease. The mortality rate is around 6 to every 1 million in the United State and much higher in other countries; however this number is very deceivin...

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...ients are also advised to wear Medic Alert jewelry.

Works Cited

"Addison's disease Definition - Diseases and Conditions - Mayo Clinic." Mayo Clinic - Mayo Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2014.

"Dermatologic Aspects of Addison Disease." Medscape. WebMD, 8 Mar. 2013. Web. 26 Jan. 2014.

Erickson, Quenby L., et al. "Addison's Disease: The Potentially Life-Threatening Tan." Cutis 66.1 (2000): 72-4. ProQuest.Web. 26 Jan. 2014.

HealthCentral. "Addison's Disease." HealthCentral.com - Trusted, Reliable and Up To Date Health Information. Remedy Health Media, n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2014.

Liotta, MD, Elizabeth A., and Dirk M. Elston, MD. "Dermatologic Aspects of Addison Disease." MedScape. WebMD, 8 Mar. 2013. Web. 25 Jan. 2014.

Margulies, MD, Paul. "Adrenal Diseases - Addison's Disease The Facts You Need To Know."NADF. National Adrenal Diseases Foundation, n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2014.