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Addison Disease (cont.)

What are the signs and symptoms of Addison disease?

The symptoms of adrenal insufficiency usually begin gradually.

Chronic, worsening fatigue and muscle weakness, loss of appetite, and weight loss are characteristic of the disease.

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea occur in about 50% of cases.

Blood pressure is low and falls further when standing, causing dizziness or fainting.

Skin changes also are common in Addison disease, with areas of hyperpigmentation, or dark tanning, covering exposed and nonexposed parts of the body. This darkening of the skin is most visible on scars; skin folds; pressure points such as the elbows, knees, knuckles, and toes; lips; and inner lining tissues of the mouth and nose (mucous membranes).

Addison disease can cause irritability and depression. Because of salt loss, craving of salty foods also is common. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is more severe in children than in adults. In women, menstrual periods may become irregular or stop.

What is an addisonian crisis?

Because the symptoms of Addison disease progress slowly, they are usually ignored until a stressful event like an illness or an accident causes them to become worse. This is called an addisonian crisis, or acute adrenal insufficiency. In most patients, symptoms are severe enough to seek medical treatment before a crisis occurs. However, in about 25% of patients, symptoms first appear during an addisonian crisis.

Symptoms of an addisonian crisis include sudden penetrating pain in the lower back, abdomen, or legs; severe vomiting and diarrhea, followed by dehydration; low blood pressure; and loss of consciousness. Left untreated, an addisonian crisis can be fatal.



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