Addison’s Disease Research Paper Addison’s disease is a rare, treatable illness that occurs in all ages ,both sexes and can be life threatening. Addison’s diseases occurs when your adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol or aldosterone. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that helps your body when it experiences a traumatic event,and aldosterone is a hormone that help regulate blood pressure. Damaging your adrenal gland can also cause Addison’s disease. You can damage adrenal gland from long lasting infection or cancer from other parts of the body that has spread to the adrenal gland. A pituitary gland problem can also cause Addison’s disease. The pituitary gland releases hormones that can turn hormones on or off in other parts of the body. A hormone called ACTH is the hormone released by the pituitary gland that controls cortisol production in the adrenal glands. If your ACTH levels get too low, your adrenal gland is turned off. Another way Addison’s disease …show more content…
Even though Addison’s disease is very dangerous, people with the disease have gone on to live very healthy lives. They should always keep their medication on them at all time and they should always carry a medic alert bracelet and an emergency ID card. They should always take their medication because missing one dose can be dangerous. Lastly, the person should always stay in contact with their doctor.This will help the person know if the amount of hormone replacements that they are taking is adequate. If Addison’s disease is left untreated or if your symptoms suddenly worsen, it becomes and Addisonian crisis which can be fatal. Symptoms of an Addisonian crisis are shock(when your body does get enough blood flow), fever,weakness or fatigue, fever, vomiting, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and eventual kidney shutdown. People who are believed to have Addisonian crisis may receive injections of salt, fluids, and glucocorticoid