Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Other Endocrine Issues
Number of Conditions: 1
Adrenal insufficiency (e.g., Addison’s disease)
Specialty: Pediatrics
Category: Endocrine Disorders
Sub-category: Other Endocrine Issues
Symptoms:
fatigue; weight loss; low blood pressure; hyperpigmentation of the skin; abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; salt cravings; hypoglycemia
Root Cause:
Insufficient production of cortisol and/or aldosterone by the adrenal glands, often due to autoimmune destruction, infection, or adrenal gland damage.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests measuring cortisol and ACTH levels, ACTH stimulation test, electrolyte panels, and imaging studies (e.g., CT or MRI of the adrenal glands).
Treatment:
Hormone replacement therapy, including glucocorticoids (e.g., hydrocortisone) and mineralocorticoids (e.g., fludrocortisone), along with lifestyle adjustments and emergency injectable hydrocortisone for adrenal crises.
Medications:
Hydrocortisone or prednisone (glucocorticoids) replace cortisol; fludrocortisone (a mineralocorticoid) replaces aldosterone. Glucocorticoids are corticosteroids, while fludrocortisone is a mineralocorticoid.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, affecting approximately 1 in 10,000 to 20,000 people globally.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autoimmune conditions (e.g., autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome), family history, infections (e.g., tuberculosis), adrenal gland damage due to trauma or surgery.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate treatment, patients can lead normal lives; however, untreated adrenal insufficiency can be life-threatening.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Adrenal crisis (acute life-threatening condition), electrolyte imbalances, hypoglycemia, and increased susceptibility to stress-related illnesses.