Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Adrenal Insufficiency
Number of Conditions: 2
Primary (Addison’s Disease)
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Adrenal Disorders
Sub-category: Adrenal Insufficiency
Symptoms:
fatigue; weight loss; muscle weakness; low blood pressure; salt cravings; hyperpigmentation of the skin; nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; hypoglycemia
Root Cause:
Destruction or dysfunction of the adrenal cortex leads to insufficient production of cortisol and, often, aldosterone.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, blood tests showing low cortisol and high ACTH levels, and confirmation with an ACTH stimulation test. Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hyponatremia, hyperkalemia) and low aldosterone may also be observed.
Treatment:
Lifelong hormone replacement therapy with glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, stress management, and patient education on managing adrenal crises.
Medications:
Medications include hydrocortisone or prednisone (glucocorticoids) to replace cortisol and fludrocortisone (a mineralocorticoid) to replace aldosterone. These are classified as corticosteroid replacement therapies.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; approximately 1 in 100,000 people are affected, with equal distribution across genders.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome), infections (e.g., tuberculosis), adrenal hemorrhage, or genetic predisposition.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper treatment, individuals can live normal lives, but they must manage the risk of adrenal crises, especially during stress or illness.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Adrenal crisis (life-threatening), severe hypotension, electrolyte imbalances, and hypoglycemia.
Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency (e.g., Pituitary Dysfunction)
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Adrenal Disorders
Sub-category: Adrenal Insufficiency
Symptoms:
fatigue; muscle weakness; low blood pressure; nausea; vomiting; dizziness; hypoglycemia
Root Cause:
Inadequate production of ACTH by the pituitary gland leads to insufficient stimulation of the adrenal glands, resulting in low cortisol levels.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves measuring cortisol and ACTH levels, as well as dynamic testing (e.g., ACTH stimulation test, insulin tolerance test). Brain imaging (MRI) may be used to identify pituitary abnormalities.
Treatment:
Glucocorticoid replacement therapy and, if applicable, addressing the underlying cause (e.g., pituitary tumor or discontinuation of long-term corticosteroid use).
Medications:
Medications include hydrocortisone or prednisone to replace cortisol. These are classified as glucocorticoid replacement therapies.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common than primary adrenal insufficiency; often associated with prolonged corticosteroid use or pituitary dysfunction. Exact prevalence is unclear but estimated to be higher than Addison's disease.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Long-term corticosteroid use, pituitary tumors, traumatic brain injury, or radiation therapy to the brain.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally favorable with treatment, but adrenal crises may occur during stress or illness if glucocorticoid dosing is not increased.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Adrenal crisis, persistent fatigue, hypoglycemia, and dependence on hormone replacement therapy.