What is Addison's disease?
Understand the Problem
The question is about Addison's disease, which involves understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment. This requires knowledge in the field of medicine, particularly endocrinology.
Answer
Addison's disease is a rare disorder where adrenal glands produce insufficient hormones, like cortisol and aldosterone.
Addison's disease, also known as adrenal insufficiency, is a rare condition where the adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones, specifically cortisol and aldosterone.
Answer for screen readers
Addison's disease, also known as adrenal insufficiency, is a rare condition where the adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones, specifically cortisol and aldosterone.
More Information
Addison's disease is characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure, and darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation). It is often caused by an autoimmune response that damages the adrenal glands.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing Addison's disease with other types of adrenal insufficiency, such as secondary adrenal insufficiency, which has different causes and treatments.
Sources
- Addison's Disease: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment - my.clevelandclinic.org
- Addison's Disease - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic - mayoclinic.org
- Adrenal Insufficiency & Addison's Disease - NIDDK - niddk.nih.gov