ADDISON’S DISEASE

Question 1

What is Addison’s Disease?

Answer 1

Uncommon disorder that causes an underproduction of cortisol and aldosterone

Question 2

What is the cause of Addison’s Disease?

Answer 2

Damage to the adrenal cortex > reduced hormone production

This is often due to autoimmune disorders, TB, Genetics (T1DM, Hypothyroidism)

Question 3

What are the symptoms of Addison’s Disease?

Answer 3

Fatigue

Anorexia

Weight Loss

Nausea and Vomiting

Hypotension

Salt craving

Question 4

What are the physical signs of Addison’s Disease?

Answer 4

Hyperpigmentation in mucosa

Abdominal pain

Muscle or joint pains

Irritability

Question 5

What are the risk factors of Addison’s Disease?

Answer 5

Adrenal Haemorrhage

Female Sex

Adrenocortical Autoantibodies

Question 6

What is the blood tests for Addison’s Disease?

Answer 6

U&E: elevated Urea, hyponatraemia, hypercalcaemia, hyperkalaemia, hypoglycaemia and eosinophilia

High levels of ACTH

Positive Adrenal Antibodies

Question 7

What is the Synacthen Stimulation Test for Addison’s Disease?

Answer 7

Diagnosis confirming blood test

Synacthen mimics ACTH

There will be low cortisol and aldosterone

Question 8

which corticosteroids replacement therapy is used?

Answer 8

Hydrocortisone or Prednisolone (for cortisol replacement)

Fludrocortisone (for aldosterone)

Question 9

What are the common side effects of over-using corticosteroids?

Answer 9

Osteoporosis

Mood Swings

Insomnia

Question 10

What are the other treatments of Addison’s Disease?

Answer 10

High salt diet

Carry medical alert card and bracelet And injection kit and extra medications

Have annual checks