Addison’s disease is an illness that occurs when the body does not produce enough hormones .However, in this disease the adrenal glands produces insufficient hormones of cortisol and aldosterone. Adrenaline glands are parts of the endocrine system. They are located slightly above the two kidneys. Additionally, Cortisol helps the body to address stress, maintain body glucose levels and respond to injuries. Aldosterone, on the other hand helps to balance potassium and salt in the blood.
What are the causes of Addison’s disease?
Mostly, it is caused by the breakdown of the adrenal glands. There are several other causes such as;
- HIV/AIDS disease.
- Removal of adrenal glands.
- Amyloidosis[when proteins build up and damage organs].
- Bleeding of adrenal glands.
- Presence of other diseases.
Its signs and symptoms
However, the illness has quite a large number of signs and symptom. Some of them are;
- Irritability.
- Fainting.
- Poor appetite.
- Weight loss that is unintentional.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Dehydration.
- Hypotension.
- Body hair loss.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Hypoglycemia [low blood sugar].
- The skin darkens in some areas.
Also, some people experience acute adrenal failure. They may experience severe symptoms like delirium, confusion ,severe body weakness ,salt cravings.
It is advisable to seek medical attention if one has the above symptoms. It is important to get tested by a qualified medical practitioner and be treated properly.
Diagnosis and treatment of Addison’s disease
The illness can only be diagnosed if a blood test is carried out. Hypoglycemia tests are also carried out. In some cases ,a CT scan may also be carried out.
However, health practitioners recommend steroid placement therapy. The drug is used to boost the hormone levels of cortisol and aldosterone .It is available in form of a tablet.
- Marcie Hobbs Bio-Age, Edu, Children, Husband, Net Worth
- Jose Mourinho age, childhood, wife, children, career, Net worth
- Bill Anderson bio, wiki, age, children, wife, net worth, FOX 29.
- Prue Leith Bio, Wiki, The Great American Baking Show, Age, Education, Height, Family, Husband, Children, and Career
- Salim Mvurya bio-age, wife, tribe, and education.
- Miranda Lambert bio, age, husband, children, career, net worth.
- Ken Clark Bio-Age, Edu, Children, Wife, Net Worth.
Alternatively, therapies like pulsatile cortisol pump therapy can also be used to improve conditions of people suffering from it.
Addison’s disease should be treated as early as it is detected. This is because it is life threatening.
Who are mostly affected by Addison’s disease?
Any person can be affected by the disease. However people who are 50 years old and above are at a higher risk .People with diseases like anemia ,vitiligo, and type diabetes are also at a high risk.
Treating Addison’s disease at home
So, one can manage the disease at home by:
- Avoiding foods with a high sugar content.
- Avoiding processed foods.
- Increasing salt intake.
- Taking foods rich in vitamins.
Prevention
The disease cannot be prevented .However, one can manage it by improving health standards.
- A list of special secondary schools, and contacts.
- Best Public High Schools in Kiambu County.
- Public Universities in Kenya
- Mount Kenya University history, fees, courses
- List of Best private secondary schools in Nairobi County.
- The best private primary schools in Nyeri county.
- List of Accredited Private Universities in Kenya