Adrenal insufficiency, also called Addison's disease, is a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones that mediate many cellular processes. Caused by damage to the adrenal glands by an autoimmune disorder or direct trauma, adrenal insufficiency is a life-threatening condition, according to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center at Penn State University.
Cause
The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys; they secrete hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone and estrogen. The glands are composed of two parts, the medulla and cortex. Adrenal insufficiency is caused by the destruction of the adrenal cortex; therefore, ceasing production of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. Adrenal gland damage is commonly caused by an autoimmune condition, where the body mistakenly identifies the adrenal gland cells as foreign and destroys them. The disorder is also caused by severe blood loss, tumors, anticoagulant medications and infections such as HIV, fungal infections and tuberculosis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Risk Factors
Conditions that increase the incidence of adrenal insufficiency due to an autoimmune condition include Grave's disease, pernicious anemia, myasthenia gravis, type one diabetes, vitiligo, dermatitis herpetiformis, thyroiditis, hypoparathyroidism and hypopituitarism, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, weakness, abdominal pain, anxiety, depression and dizziness. Patches of skin will appear bronze; women will cease to menstruate and patients will have intolerance to cold, notes the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center at Penn State University.
Diagnosis
Pronounced signs and symptoms do not appear until 90 percent of the adrenal gland is destroyed. Diagnosis is made from the appearance of brown patches on the skin and blood tests that show an abnormality in sodium, glucose, potassium, cortisol and aldosterone levels, according to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center at Penn State University.
Treatment
Adrenal insufficiency is treated by supplementing cortisol in the form of adrenal genital corticoids, mineralocorticoid or glucocorticoid mediation. Oral medications must be taken every day for life. Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium easily become imbalanced; therefore, a healthy diet is recommended, with adequate ingestion of water. Blood pressure can drop; therefore, medications to raise blood pressure are periodically necessary. In stressful emergency situations, some patients may need to inject hydrocortisone directly into the body, notes the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center at Penn State University and University of Maryland Medical Center.
