Addison’s disease is a disease involving the adrenal glands.  These glands play a vital role in producing various hormones for several important processes in the body.  Situated near the kidneys, the adrenal glands secrete various hormones like adrenaline, cortisol, and aldosterone among others.  Under normal conditions, the adrenal glands are able to produce or secrete the correct balance of these hormones for various processes. Whenever there is a problem concerning the hormonal production of the adrenal glands, a person is said to have Addison’s disease.  Other people also refer to Addison’s disease as adrenal insufficiency.

Various hormones produced by the adrenal glands perform important functions for the body.  Whenever any of these hormones are produced insufficiently, certain processes of the body will not be supported and patients could experience various symptoms like weakness, tiredness, muscle and joint pains, diarrhea, and/or nausea among many others.  Some people with Addison’s disease will also experience changes in mood like irritability and depression.  In most cases, the symptoms will only become evident over a period of several months as the hormonal imbalance is ongoing or developing.  There are rare cases though that some patients with Addison’s disease will experience acute symptoms like pain the lower back or abdominal area, bradycardia, hyperkalemia, and fainting.

Most cases of Addison’s disease are classified as auto-immune disorder s.  This simply means that the body’s own immune system attacks the adrenal glands by mistake and likens it to a virus or foreign intruder.  When this happens, the adrenal glands will then  be unable to produce hormones in sufficient amounts.  Blood tests are often prescribed to diagnose this disease.  Treatment is also geared towards replacing lost or insufficient hormones in the body.  Steroid treatment may also be prescribed for some people.  It is also important for people with Addison’s disease to inform others about their condition so they may be assisted immediately in times of emergency.