Addison's disease Flashcards
What is addison’s disease
-rare disorder of adrenal glands that reduces of stops function
-not enough cortisol and aldosterone produced
-regular medication aids normal life span
-patient may be prescribed emergency injection kit
Adrenal glands
-small lobular glands
-superomedial to kidneys
-respond to pituitary gland corticoprotein production
-inner medulla- adrenaline
-outer cortex- mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, androgens
Mineralocorticoids
-secreted by zona glomerulosa cells
-affect kidneys, increases BP and blood vol
-reg. Na+, K+ and H+
eg. aldosterone
Glucocorticoids
-secreted by zona fasciculata cells
-affect most tissues, increasing blood glucose levels as control carbohydrate metabolism
-normal levels help with stress resistance
-high levels have anti inflammatory and anti immune effects
eg. cortisol
Causes of addison’s disease
Immune system affected
-eg. Tb, infection, cancer etc
Adrenal cortex attacked and damaged
Aldosterone and cortisol production reduced
Risk factors
-vitiligo
-type 1 diabetes
-hypothyroidism
Development of addison’s
-disease starts
-no recognition and treatment
-hormone production reduces
-symptoms worsen
-life threatening features present
Early addison’s disease symptoms
-increased thirst/ urination
-muscle weakness
-unintentional weight loss
-low mood
-fatigue/ lethargy
-loss of appetite
-crave salty food
Later addidon’s disease symptoms
-muscle cramps
-hypotension
-chronic exhaustion
-irregular periods
-depression
-nausea
Adrenal crisis symptoms
-loss consciousness
-severe dehydration
-dizzy
-rapid breathing
-poor perfusion
-severe vomiting/ diarrhoea
-headache
Treatment addison’s disease/ adrenal crisis
-hydrocortisone
-IV preferred, IM if not possible
-only for patients in adrenal crisis, give before transportation
-if in doubt, administer it
