{"id":22214,"date":"2016-04-11T21:26:20","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T21:26:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/?page_id=22214"},"modified":"2026-03-25T10:53:05","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T15:53:05","slug":"addisons-disease","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/addisons-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Addison&#8217;s Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t\t<div id=\"mmDeferVideoEncompass_6JOrGaeQNIE\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n\t\t\t<picture>\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.webp\" type=\"image\/webp\">\n\t\t\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"> \n\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" id=\"videoThumbnailImage_6JOrGaeQNIE\" data-source-videoID=\"6JOrGaeQNIE\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/circle-play-duotone.png\" alt=\"Addison&#8217;s Disease Video\" height=\"464\" width=\"825\" class=\"size-full\" data-matomo-title = \"Addison&#8217;s Disease\">\n\t\t\t<\/picture>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<style>img#videoThumbnailImage_6JOrGaeQNIE:hover {cursor:pointer;} img#videoThumbnailImage_6JOrGaeQNIE {background-size:contain;background-image:url(\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/1964-thumb-final-2.webp\");}<\/style>\n\t\t\t<script defer>\n\t\t\t  jQuery(\"img#videoThumbnailImage_6JOrGaeQNIE\").click(function() {\n\t\t\t\tlet videoId = jQuery(this).attr(\"data-source-videoID\");\n\t\t\t\tlet helpTag = '<div id=\"mmDeferVideoYTMessage_6JOrGaeQNIE\" style=\"display: none;position: absolute;top: -24px;width: 100%;text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;font-size: small;border-top: 1px solid #fc0;\">Having trouble? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v='+videoId+'\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to watch on YouTube.<\/a><\/span><\/div>';\n\t\t\t\tlet tag = document.createElement(\"iframe\");\n\t\t\t\ttag.id = \"yt\" + videoId;\n\t\t\t\ttag.src = \"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/\" + videoId + \"?autoplay=1&controls=1&wmode=opaque&rel=0&egm=0&iv_load_policy=3&hd=0&enablejsapi=1\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.frameborder = 0;\n\t\t\t\ttag.allow = \"autoplay; fullscreen\";\n\t\t\t\ttag.width = this.width;\n\t\t\t\ttag.height = this.height;\n\t\t\t\ttag.setAttribute(\"data-matomo-title\",\"Addison&#8217;s Disease\");\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_6JOrGaeQNIE\").html(tag);\n\t\t\t\tjQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoEncompass_6JOrGaeQNIE\").prepend(helpTag);\n\t\t\t\tsetTimeout(function(){jQuery(\"div#mmDeferVideoYTMessage_6JOrGaeQNIE\").css(\"display\", \"block\");}, 2000);\n\t\t\t  });\n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t\n<p><script>\nfunction vbR_Function() {\n  var x = document.getElementById(\"vbR\");\n  if (x.style.display === \"none\") {\n    x.style.display = \"block\";\n  } else {\n    x.style.display = \"none\";\n  }\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"moc-toc hide-on-desktop hide-on-tablet\">\n<div><button onclick=\"vbR_Function()\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/toc2.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"show or hide table of contents\"><\/button><\/p>\n<p>On this page<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<nav id=\"vbR\" style=\"display:none;\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#What_is_Addison%E2%80%99s_Disease\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">What is Addison\u2019s Disease?<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Causes\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Causes<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Addisonian_Crisis\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Addisonian Crisis<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Diagnosis_of_Addison%E2%80%99s_Disease\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Diagnosis of Addison\u2019s Disease<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Treatment\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Treatment<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"toc-h2\"><a href=\"#Review\" class=\"smooth-scroll\">Review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion\"><input id=\"transcript\" type=\"checkbox\" class=\"spoiler_button\" \/><label for=\"transcript\">Transcript<\/label>\n<div class=\"spoiler\" id=\"transcript-spoiler\">\n<h2>What is Addison&#8217;s Disease?<\/h2>\n<p>\nAddison\u2019s disease is a rare, chronic endocrine system disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce adequate steroid hormones.<\/p>\n<p>The endocrine system refers to the collection of glands that secrete hormones in the body. When these hormone levels become too high or too low, problems occur such as <a class=\"ylist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/diabetes-complications\/\">diabetes<\/a>, thyroid disease, growth disorders, or sexual dysfunction, among others.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>adrenal glands<\/strong>, located above the kidneys, are part of the endocrine system that produce a variety of hormones, including cortisol, aldosterone, and DHEA. Cortisol and aldosterone play key roles in the functioning of the human body, including regulation of BP, metabolism, and the body\u2019s response to stress. The body uses DHEA to make androgens and estrogens (the male and female sex hormones).<\/p>\n<p>Addison\u2019s disease may also be called:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Primary hypoadrenalism<\/li>\n<li>Primary adrenal insufficiency<\/li>\n<li>Chronic adrenal insufficiency<\/li>\n<li>Hypocortisolism<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The disease is named after Thomas Addison, who first described the condition in 1849.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Causes\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Causes<\/h2>\n<p>\nAddison\u2019s disease is caused by problems with the adrenal gland\u2014primary adrenal insufficiency\u2014and can be caused by an autoimmune disorder, certain infections, or various other rare causes.<\/p>\n<p>Adrenal insufficiency or cortisol deficiency results from alteration in any step in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is a complex set of direct influences and interactions between three endocrine glands (the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands). These interactions control reactions to stress and regulate body processes including the <a class=\"ylist\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/immune-system\/\">immune system<\/a>, digestion, mood and emotions, sexuality, and energy storage and use. This dysfunction may be temporary or permanent.<\/p>\n<p>There are four possible ways through which the adrenal glands produce insufficient cortisol:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Most commonly, primary adrenal insufficiency is a result of autoimmune destruction of the adrenal glands. It is common for these patients to have other autoimmune diseases as well.<\/li>\n<li>Infections, such as tuberculosis, can destroy the adrenal glands, as well as cytomegalovirus, meningitis, and some fungal infections can also lead to Addison\u2019s disease.<\/li>\n<li>Adrenal dysgenesis, in which the gland has not formed adequately during development, is genetic, and very rare.<\/li>\n<li>Impaired steroidogenesis occurs when the gland is present but biochemically unable to produce cortisol, sometimes caused by certain medication interference.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) \u2013 most visible on scars, skin folds, pressure points, lips, and lining of the cheek.<\/li>\n<li>Chronic fatigue<\/li>\n<li>Orthostatic hypotension (lightheadedness when standing)<\/li>\n<li>Muscle weakness<\/li>\n<li>Loss of appetite<\/li>\n<li>Weight loss<\/li>\n<li>Abdominal pain<\/li>\n<li>Nausea\/vomiting\/diarrhea<\/li>\n<li>Headache<\/li>\n<li>Anxiety \/ Mood changes<\/li>\n<li>Sweating<\/li>\n<li>Craving salty foods<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Addisonian_Crisis\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Addisonian Crisis<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe slowly progressing symptoms are often ignored until a stressful event, such as surgery, an illness, a severe injury, or pregnancy, causes them to worsen.<\/p>\n<p>Addisonian crisis is a collection of symptoms that indicates severe adrenal insufficiency. It is a medical emergency and if not treated, can cause death.<\/p>\n<p>Characteristic symptoms include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Profound physical weakness<\/li>\n<li>Sudden, severe pain in lower back, abdomen, or legs<\/li>\n<li>Severe vomiting and diarrhea, resulting in dehydration<\/li>\n<li>Low blood pressure<\/li>\n<li>Loss of consciousness<\/li>\n<li>Fever<\/li>\n<li>Convulsions<\/li>\n<li>Peripheral vascular collapse<\/li>\n<li>Renal shutdown<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Diagnosis of Addison&#8217;s Disease<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe diagnosis of Addison\u2019s disease involves several tests.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Blood work<\/strong> may reveal the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hyponatremia (low sodium) due to loss of aldosterone production<\/li>\n<li>Hyperkalemia (high potassium) due to loss of aldosterone production<\/li>\n<li>Hypercalcemia (high calcium)<\/li>\n<li>Hypoglycemia (low glucose)<\/li>\n<li>Low cortisol<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone) stimulation test<\/strong> measures the level of cortisol in the blood before and after an injection of synthetic ACTH. ACTH signals the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, and if adrenal glands are damaged, the output of cortisol is limited or nonexistent.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ultrasound or CT scan<\/strong> of the abdomen can show abnormalities in the adrenal glands.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Antibody blood tests<\/strong> can detect antibodies associated with autoimmune Addison\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Treatment\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Treatment<\/h2>\n<p>\nTreatment for Addison\u2019s disease involves:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lifelong hormone replacement therapy to correct the levels of steroid hormones \u2013 usually given orally, but injections can be given if the patient is vomiting.<\/li>\n<li>Hydrocortisone or prednisone \u2013 to replace cortisol<\/li>\n<li>Fludrocortisone \u2013 to replace aldosterone<\/li>\n<li>Patient needs plenty of sodium intake, especially during heavy exercise, hot weather, diarrhea, or a stressful situation, such as an infection or operation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>As a nurse, it is important to remind the patient with Addison\u2019s disease to:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Wear a medical alert bracelet that reads \u2018adrenal insufficiency\u2019 at all times.<\/li>\n<li>Keep extra medication handy \u2013 missing just one day of therapy may be dangerous, so it\u2019s important to have an extra supply with them, as well as keeping an injectable form of corticosteroids on hand in case of an emergency.<\/li>\n<li>Stay in contact with their doctor &#8211; to make sure the replacement hormones are adequate but not excessive \u2013 adjustments in the doses or timing may need to be made.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr>\n<h2><span id=\"Review\" class=\"m-toc-anchor\"><\/span>Review<\/h2>\n<p>\nAddison\u2019s disease is an endocrine, or hormonal, disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands are damaged and cannot produce enough of the adrenal hormone cortisol. The adrenal hormone aldosterone may be lacking also. Typical symptoms include weakness, fatigue, and hyperpigmentation.<\/p>\n<p>If not treated, an adrenal crisis can lead to death. Diagnosis is confirmed through hormonal blood tests and possibly imaging studies. Treatment involves replacing the hormones that the adrenal glands are not making.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"home-buttons\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/patient-care\/\">Return to Patient Care Videos<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Return to Patient Care Videos<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":121840,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-22214","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"page_category-endocrine-system-videos","7":"page_category-patient-care-videos","8":"page_category-physiological-integrity","9":"page_category-video-pages-for-study-course-sidebar-ad","10":"page_type-video","11":"subject_matter-nursing"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22214","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22214"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22214\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":278989,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22214\/revisions\/278989"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/121840"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22214"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}