Addison Disease

Addison Disease

Addison disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not make enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. The disease causes blood pressure to drop and potassium to build up to dangerous levels. If Addison disease is untreated, it can suddenly get worse and become life-threatening. A sudden worsening of the disease is called an addisonian crisis.
CAUSES

This condition may be caused by:

A disease in which the body's own immune system damages the adrenal glands.

An infection of the adrenal glands.

SYMPTOMS

Common symptoms of this condition include:

Severe fatigue.

Muscle weakness.

Loss of appetite.

Weight loss.

Darkening of the skin.

Drops in blood pressure.

Other symptoms