Addison's disease

Addison’s Disease: Things You Should Know (Questions and Answers) explains the definition, causes, symptoms, complications, diagnosis, and treatments of Addison’s disease in a question-and-answer format.

The book introduces Addison’s disease as adrenal gland failure that prevents the production of sufficient hormones. It explains the role of the adrenal cortex and medulla, including their secretion of cortisol, aldosterone, catecholamines, and androgenic steroids.

Key topics include cortisol deficiency, aldosterone deficiency, and the effects of hormones on blood pressure, stress response, electrolyte balance, and metabolism. Symptoms such as fatigue, hyperpigmentation, weight loss, hypoglycemia, low blood pressure, salt craving, nausea, dizziness, and abdominal pain are described.

The book highlights possible causes such as autoimmune disease, adrenal infarction, hemorrhage, infections, amyloidosis, trauma, surgery, and hemochromatosis. It also explains the life-threatening condition known as adrenal crisis, outlining its symptoms and emergency management.

Diagnostic approaches are discussed, including blood tests, CT scans, and the ACTH stimulation test. Treatments are described, focusing on hormone replacement with hydrocortisone, prednisone, and fludrocortisone acetate, as well as intravenous therapy in adrenal crisis.

A reference for students, healthcare workers, and general audiences interested in Addison’s disease, its symptoms, and the ways it can be treated and managed.