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Home Remedies & Natural Remedies by Ailment

Addisons Disease

Signs and symptoms of Addison's disease usually develop slowly often over several months and may include:

• Muscle weakness and fatigue

• Weight loss and decreased appetite

• Darkening of your skin (hyperpigmentation)

• Low blood pressure even fainting

• Salt craving

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

• Nausea diarrhea or vomiting

• Irritability

• Depression

For UK sufferers a leaflet Managing Addison's disease has been developed by Professor John Wass for the Addison's Disease Self Help Group. It provides a summary of the key points everyone with Addison's needs to know to manage their health.

It covers:

• What is Addison's disease?

• How is Addison's disease diagnosed?

• How is Addison's disease treated?

• What do I need to know about managing my medication?

• Are there any special precautions I will need to take?

• What could go wrong if I don't take enough medication?

• What kind of medical support and monitoring will I need?

• What kind of quality of life can I expect?

• Can I have children?

• What about sport and exercise?

• Are there any long-term side effects from my medication?

• Why is it called Addison's disease?

Replacement therapy with corticosteroids will control the symptoms of this disease. However these drugs must usually be continued for life. Usually a combination of glucocorticoids (cortisone or hydrocortisone) and mineralocorticoids (fludrocortisone) are given.

Medication may need to be increased during times of stress infection or injury. Adrenal crisis is an extreme manifestation of symptoms of adrenal insufficiency brought on by physical stress. Hydrocortisone must be injected immediately to sustain life. Supportive treatment for low blood pressure is usually necessary as well.

Addisons Disease

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Addisons Disease