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Your adrenal glands are just above your kidneys. The outside layer of these glands makes hormones that help your body respond to stress and regulate your blood pressure and water and salt balance. Addison's disease occurs if the adrenal glands don't make enough of these hormones.
A problem with your immune system usually causes Addison's disease. The immune system mistakenly attacks your own tissues, damaging your adrenal glands.
Symptoms include
Lab tests can confirm that you have Addison's disease. If you don't treat it, it can be fatal. You will need to take hormone pills for the rest of your life. If you have Addison's disease, you should carry an emergency ID. It should say that you have the disease, list your medicines and say how much you need in an emergency.
'''Addison's disease''' (also known as '''chronic adrenal insufficiency''', or '''hypocortisolism''') is a rare endocrine disorder. It is estimated that it affects about 1 to 5 in 100,000 people. It occurs when the adrenal glands, seated above the kidneys, fail to produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, sometimes, the hormone aldosterone. Addison's disease refers specifically to '''primary adrenal insufficiency''', in which the adrenal glands themselves malfunction; '''secondary adrenal insufficiency''' occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to adequately stimulate the adrenal glands. A famous sufferer of Addison's Disease was President John F. Kennedy. Jane Austen is thought to have been another. The condition is very common in dogs, particularly the Bearded Collie. In dogs it is inherited via the female line - possibly due to autoimmune antibodies in the milk. In humans it is never hereditary.
Addison's Disease and Type I Diabetes - Information about Schmidt's syndrome -- a polyglandular autoimmune syndrome involving adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) plus autoimmune thyroid disease and/or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Common Hyperpigmentation Disorders in Adults - Describes how symptoms may indicate the presence of hyperthyroidism, Addison's disease, or diabetes-related disorders.
National Adrenal Diseases Foundation - Non-profit organization dedicated to providing support, information and education to individuals having Addison's disease as well as other diseases of the adrenal glands.
Family Practice Notebook: Addison's Disease - Describes this disorder, symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment.
Underactive Adrenal Glands / Addison's Disease - Explanation of this disease, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Addison's Disease Support and Information Forum - Community for those who have this disorder and to learn more about this disease.
Addisons Disease - Email list group open to anyone interested in making friends, sharing information and support with others affected by this disorder.
Addison's Disease Network - Non-clinical advice via a discussion group for those who suffer from this rare disease. In English, French, Spanish, Dutch, and Italian.
Taking Care Naturally - Dedicated to natural wellness for you and your companion animals, with emphasis on Addison's disease. Books and Products are reviewed and recommended.
Canine Addison's Disease - Links to medical and drug information regarding this ailment including sources for cheaper Florinef, photo gallery and an email list.