What is Addison's Disease?
Addison's Disease is the condition caused by failure of the
adrenal glands to produce important hormones called cortisol and
aldosterone.
Various diseases can cause the glands to fail. By far the
commonest cause nowadays is a disorder of the natural immune
system. For reasons that are not fully understood the immune system
produces antibodies to its own adrenal tissue which gradually
destroys it. This is similar to the way in which a
transplanted organ such as a kidney is rejected if there is not a
good tissue match between the donor and the recipient.
The condition comes on very slowly, often with vague weakness
and tiredness over many months. This is associated with
gradual darkening of the skin, like a suntan. In the later
stages, the person with Addison's becomes very weak and dizzy
(usually due to low blood pressure and mild dehydration), usually
with sickness and vomiting.
What does this involve?
Addison's disease would normally be treated through taking
tablets of which there are two possible options depending upon
whether cortisol or aldosterone needs to be replaced:
Hydrocortisone is prescribed for corisol replacement and should
be taken as soon as possible after waking, with further doses
at lunch or tea time or both. The usual total dose is
20-30 mgs/day.
Fludrocortisone is prescribed for aldosterone replacement
and is taken daily or on alternate days at a typical daily
dose of 50 or 100 micrograms.
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When will I recover?
Both courses of treatment are for life and you must ensure you
strictly adhere to the dosages recommended.
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What risks should I know about?
Your specialist will carefully prescribe your tablet dose and
adjust your tratement to ensure your are on the lowest dose
necessary. This will ensure that you do not suffer any side
effects.
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Circle Care
Diagnosis and treatment of Addison's Disease is carried out by
our specialist consultants who have the expertise to get the best
possible results. You can be sure of state of the art
facilities and the best possible care to get you well as soon as
possible.
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