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WHAT IS ADDISON'S DISEASE?
Addison's disease is a severe or total deficiency of the hormones made in the adrenal cortex, caused by a destruction of the adrenal cortex. There are normally two adrenal glands, located above each kidney. The adrenal glands are really two endocrine (ductless or hormone producing) glands in one. The inner part of the adrenal (called the medulla) produces epinephrine (also called adrenaline ) which is produced at times of stress and helps the body respond to "fight or flight" situations by raising the pulse rate, adjusting blood flow, and raising blood sugar. However, the absence of the adrenal medulla and epinephrine does not cause disease.
In contrast, the outer portion of the adrenal, the cortex, is more critical. The adrenal cortex makes two important steroid hormones, cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol mobilizes nutrients, modifies the body's response to inflammation, stimulates the liver to raise the blood sugar, and also helps to control the amount of water in the body. Aldosterone regulates salt and water levels which affects blood volume and blood pressure. Cortisol production is regulated by another hormone, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), made in the pituitary gland which is located just below the brain. Classical Addison's disease results from a loss of both cortisol and aldosterone secretion due to the near total or total destruction of both adrenal glands. This condition is also called primary adrenal insufficiency. If ACTH is deficient, there will not be enough cortisol produced, although aldosterone may remain adequate. This is secondary adrenal insufficiency, which is distinctly different, but similar to Addison's disease, since both include a loss of cortisol secretion.
WHAT CAUSES ADDISON'S DISEASE?
When Dr. Thomas Addison's' first described this disease in London in 1855, the most common cause was tuberculosis. This remained the leading cause until the middle of the twentieth century when antibiotics progressively reduced TB's incidence. Since then, the major cause of Addison's disease results from an auto-immune reaction in which the body's immune system erroneously makes antibodies against the cells of the adrenal cortex and slowly destroys them. That process takes months to years. There are also several less common causes of Addison's disease: other chronic infections besides tuberculosis, especially certain fungal infections, invasion of the adrenal by cancer cells that have spread from another part of the body, especially the breast; CMV virus in association with AIDS; rarely, hemorrhage into the adrenals during shock; and the surgical removal of both adrenals.
WHY IS IT CONSIDERED A RARE DISORDER?
There are no accurate statistics on the incidence of Addison's disease in the United States. A study in London showed thirty-nine cases per million population as of 1960. Twelve were due to tuberculosis. In the non-tuberculosis group, women were three times more likely to have Addison's disease. Extrapolation of these figures to the U.S. would give about 8,800 cases, but this is probably an underestimation.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ADDISON'S DISEASE?
The slowly progressive loss of cortisol and aldosterone secretion usually produces a chronic, steadily worsening fatigue, a loss of appetite, and some weight loss. Blood pressure is low and falls further when a person is standing, producing lightheadedness. Nausea, sometimes with vomiting, and diarrhea are common. The muscles are weak and often go into spasm. There are often emotional changes, particularly irritability and depression. Because of salt loss, a craving for salty foods is common. Finally, the increase in ACTH due to the loss of cortisol will usually produce a darkening of the skin that may look like an inappropriate tan on a person who feels very sick. Unfortunately, the slowly progressive chronic symptoms are usually missed or ignored until a sudden event like a flu virus, an accident, or the need for surgery suddenly precipitates a dramatic change for the worse because of the deficient response from the adrenals to one of these stresses. This is referred to as an Addisonian crisis and is a medical emergency.
HOW IS ADDISON'S DISEASE DIAGNOSES?
A medical history of the symptoms mentioned above, especially hyperpigmentation of the skin or gums, is often enough to raise a strong suspicion, prompting the appropriate tests. Quite often, however, the first clue is from the abnormal results of routine tests done in a hospital or doctor's office. These may include an elevated blood level of potassium, a low blood level of sodium, a shift in the ratio of certain white blood cells, or surprising changes on an EKG or chest x-ray that are caused by high potassium or low blood volume. Other causes for these changes, particularly from medications, must be considered first. A definitive diagnosis of Addison's disease requires that definitive tests be carried out. These tests measure the amount of cortisol and aldosterone in the blood and urine, and document a lack of the normal increase in the levels of these two hormones after administration of ACTH given by injection. An elevated blood level of ACTH should also be found. If the patient is very sick and Addison's disease is suspected, treatment can be initiated while the diagnostic tests are being done. Once the diagnosis of Addison's disease is established, an effort should be made to find the cause by checking for tuberculosis and other infections through skin tests and x-rays.
HOW IS ADDISON'S DISEASE TREATED?
Since all of the manifestations of Addison's disease are caused by the lack of cortisol and aldosterone, the treatment is to replace these with similar steroids. Cortisol is usually replaced orally by cortisone acetate or hydrocortisone tablets divided into morning and afternoon doses. Aldosterone is replaced by an aldosterone-like synthetic steroid, fludrocortisone (Florinef) tablets given once daily. The doses of each of these medications are adjusted for the individual's size and any co-existing medical conditions. In emergencies or during surgery, hydrocortisone must be given intravenously. Patients with Addison's disease should be taught to treat minor illnesses with extra salt and fluids. This is especially important if fever, vomiting or diarrhea is present. Persistence of these signs requires immediate treatment in an emergency room with intravenous saline (salt water) and hydrocortisone. Since Addison's disease is a chronic condition, daily replacement medication can never be stopped.
Proper maintenance treatment requires regular visits to a physician for examinations, laboratory tests, and discussions about symptoms. Certain blood tests, including sodium, potassium, blood counts and plasma renin are very useful in monitoring the response to adjustments in dosage. There is no single blood or urine test that is perfect by itself.
WHY SHOULD ADDISONIANS CONSULT AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST?
Endocrinologists are specialists in hormonal diseases, including Addison's disease. Because of the rarity of the disease, an endocrinologist will have more training and experience in properly diagnosing and treating Addison's disease than most physicians.
ARE THERE RELATED DISEASES?
Secondary adrenal insufficiency, caused by a lack of ACTH, results in a deficiency of cortisol, but usually not aldosterone. The cause is either pituitary disease, such as a tumor, or the prolonged use of "steroid" medication that suppresses ACTH. The treatment is simply to replace cortisol, usually with the synthetic steroid prednisone, but sometimes hydrocortisone or cortisone acetate.
Auto-immune Addison's disease, the most common type, can be associated with other auto-immune diseases that similarly affect other endocrine glands. The most common one is the thyroid. If an under active thyroid (hypothyroidism) coexists with Addison's disease, this is called Schmidt's syndrome. Less commonly associated auto-immune diseases are insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and insufficiencies of the parathyroid glands, gonads, and vitamin B-12 absorption (pernicious anemia).
HOW NORMAL IS AN ADDISONIAN'S LIFE?
As long as the proper dose of replacement medication is taken every day, an Addisonian can have a normal crisis-free life. There are no specific physical or occupational restrictions. Routine care includes regular physician visits, avoidance of dehydration, and the use of extra medication during illness. Pregnancy is possible, but will require extra monitoring of the replacement medication. Every Addisonian should wear an identification bracelet or necklace stating that he or she has the disease, to insure proper emergency treatment. An identification card outlining treatment is also suggested. Today, people with Addison's disease should have a normal life expectancy.
ADDISON'S DISEASE SUPPLEMENTS
Addison's Disease Supplements: Information for help with Addison's disease, a rare disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands are not able to produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone.
Vitamin C 1000 with Bioflavonoids, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 Vcaps
Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's' important enzyme systems. White blood cells utilize Vitamin C to help produce cytotoxic enzymes which they use to eliminate foreign matter.Pantothenic Acid, 100% Natural Vitamin B5, 250 mg, 100 Caps
Pantothenic acid vitamin B-5 is converted to coenzyme A, which is involved in the biochemical cycles responsible for conversion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates into energy.CoQ10, Vegetarian Coenzyme, 30 mg, 60 Vcaps
A coenzyme for several key steps in the production of energy within each cell, and an antioxidant important in its clinical effects. It is these two properties make CoQ10 one of the best supplements available today.L Tyrosine, Pharmaceutical Grade, Free Form, 500 mg, 120 Caps
L-Tyrosine is used to treat insomnia, improve muscle tone, improve skin and hair pigment and depression and anxiety. L-Tyrosine should not to be used while taking prescription antidepressants or MAO inhibitors.Chlorofresh, 50 mg, 90 Softgels
Chlorofresh is used chiefly as an aid to reduce odor from a colostomy or ileostomy and to reduce fecal odor due to incontinence. However, Chlorofresh capsules also work effectively as an internal breath freshener.Astragalus Root, 470 mg, 180 Vcaps
Astragalus root is considered to have a normalizing effect on the body's functions. Astragalus is an important herb in Chinese medicine and is commonly included in Chinese cuisine.Echinacea Astragalus and Reishi, 400 mg, 100 Caps
Echinacea purpurea supports the immune system, while Astragalus and Reishi are two of the most important traditional Chinese medicinal herb tonics.Astragalus Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Astragalus root is used to stimulate the immune system and astragalus root improves adrenal gland function and digestion.Astragalus Immunity Herbal Tea, 20 Tea Bags
Help maintain normal functions of the liver, lung, kidney, stomach and heart, to boost energy, defer aging, detoxify, etc. To bolster white blood cells growth, support the immune systems, and to promote the effect of other herbs, and help reduce side effect of chemotherapy and radiation.Echinacea Root Complex, Certified Organic, 180 Caps
Echinacea Root Complex helps promote general well-being during the cold and flu season and support the Immune System.Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum silymarin) Standardized Extract, 175 mg, 60 Caps
Milk thistle extract is a potent antioxidant which prevents harm from free radicals and lends nutritional support to the liver. Milk thistle seed extract contains silymarin, a unique type of flavonoid-like compound considered the active ingredient of milk thistle.St. John's Wort, 350 mg, 180 Caps
St. John's Wort is helpful in support of depression, menopause, cramps, and insomnia.St. Johns Wort Herb Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
St. John's Wort is mainly used for the treatment of mild to moderate depression.St. John's Wort Herbal Tea, 20 Tea Bags
St. John's Wort Herb Tea is made of wild St. John's Wort and Siberian Ginseng. These Herbs tonify the nervous system, ease anxiety and depression, and support the immune system.Valerian Root Extract (Standardized), 510 mg, 90 Caps
Valerian root nourishes the nervous system and has soothing properties. Valerian is a safe and natural sleeping aid. It helps soothe rattled nerves and assists the body in relieving insomnia.Ex Stress Formula w/ Valerian, 430 mg, 100 Caps
Relieve stress the all natural way with Nature's Way Ex-Stress Formula with Valerian. Ex-Stress combines popular herbs like Valerian, Hops and Black Cohosh traditionally used to relax the body's systems and provide general health maintenance.Siberian Ginseng Root Vascutone Herbal Tea, 20 Tea Bags
Siberian Ginseng Root helps support the immune system, improve memory, endurance, vitality, and to balance hormone levels in male and female.Siberian Eleuthero Root, (Eleuthero, Eleutherococcus Senticosus Root), 410 mg, 100 Caps
Siberian Ginseng Root (Eleutherococcus Senticosus Root) improves physical an mental vitality. It is an adaptogenic herb, which helps the body to adapt to daily stress. It is an ideal supplement for those leading a demanding and hectic lifestyle.Coenzyme Q-10: All-Around Nutrient for All-Around Health! Latest Research As a Heart Strengthener, Energy Promoter, Aging Fighter and Much More
This Book discusses an amazing antioxidant that helps patients with heart failure, hypertension, coronary artery disease, high cholesterol levels and other diseases.
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Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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