Addison's Disease

Overview

Addison's disease is a chronic disorder in which the adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient cortisol and often aldosterone. It causes fatigue, skin darkening, and low blood pressure, and is named after the physician Thomas Addison who described the adrenal degenerative disease.

Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Skin hyperpigmentation
• Loss of appetite
• Low blood pressure
• Weight loss

Treatment

Long-term corticosteroid replacement with mineralocorticoid supplementation as needed, increased dosing during stress, and emergency treatment for adrenal crisis.

Dietary advice

Moderately increase salt intake, eat regularly to ensure energy, and maintain balanced nutrition with plenty of quality protein.