When suffering from Addison's disease, the adrenal cortex produces a very small amount of some vital hormones (Getty)
The German Society of Endocrinology said that Addison disease is a rare, but serious disease, because it may be life-threatening if it is not treated.
Addison's disease is a rare endocrine disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of certain important hormones. The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys, and are responsible for producing a number of hormones, including cortisol and aldosterone.
The association explained that when suffering from Addison's disease, the adrenal cortex produces a very small amount of some vital hormones, and it may also occur due to a defect in the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus, also known as the hypothalamus, which is the link between the nervous system and glands through the pituitary gland.
Symptoms of Addison's disease
Symptoms of Addison's disease are brown skin discoloration, fatigue, lethargy, low blood pressure, lack of fluids in the body, and weight loss.
Addison's disease is diagnosed through various tests, monitoring cortisone and ACTH levels, ACTH stimulation test, in addition to imaging procedures.
Edison crisis
The association warned that failure to treat Addison's disease may lead to what is known as "Addison's crisis," which poses a threat to life. Symptoms of the crisis are dehydration, a sharp drop in blood pressure, and other severe symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and poor consciousness. These symptoms require calling an ambulance immediately.
Addison's disease can be treated by taking hormones that the body lacks, throughout life.
Source: German