Addison’s Disease Treatment in Indore

Primary Adrenal Insufficiency or Addison disease is a rare endocrine disorder where the adrenal glands (which are located above the kidneys) do not produce sufficient two important hormones:

The hormone that controls stress is cortisol.

Aldosterone- the hormone that regulates the amount of salt, potassium and water.

Since the hormones are critical in metabolism, immunity, blood pressure, and electrolyte regulation, the deficiency causes slow but severe symptoms.

Causes of Addison’s Disease

1. Autoimmune Destruction (Most Common)

The immune system of the body fails to differentiate between the adrenal glands, and more hormones are produced.

2. Other Causes

A tuberculosis or an adrenal gland infection.

Adrenal bleeding

Adrenal genetic or congenital disorders.

Sudden termination of steroid use on a long-term basis (causes secondary adrenal insufficiency)

Adrenal gland spreading cancer.

Addison's Disease signs and symptoms.

The symptoms are acquired gradually and may take months or even years to develop, yet they can be severe. Common symptoms include:

Severe tiredness and lack of strength.

Unintentional weight loss

Low blood pressure, fainting, and dizziness.

Salt cravings

Darkness of the skin (hyperpigmentation), particularly of scars, knuckles, elbows and gums.

Abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea.

Loss of appetite

Low blood sugar

Irritability, depression

Joint and muscle pains

The case study indicates that the patient experienced several incidents of hypertonic saline, which triggered an adrenal crisis (Medical Emergency).

Addison's disease is a condition that can present with sudden Adrenal Crisis in case the condition is not dealt with.

Symptoms include:

Severe vomiting/diarrhoea

Very low blood pressure

Loss of consciousness

Severe dehydration

Confusion

It is life-threatening and needs emergency medical intervention (IV steroids and fluids).

Diagnosis

The doctor can take the following tests:

Blood tests (cortisol, ACTH, sodium, potassium, glucose)

Gold Standard Tests ACTH Stimulation Test

Adrenal antibodies test

CT scan of the adrenal glands

Treatment

Traditional therapy will include lifelong hormone replacement, which typically:

Hydrocortisone (to substitute cortisol)

Fludrocortisone (as a replacement for aldosterone)

Salt supplementation

Another thing patients are taught is stress-dose management, which involves the appropriate adjustment of medicines when one is ill, undergoing surgery or experiencing a significant stress.

Not a Substitute for a Medical Treatment: Lifestyle Support.

1. Balanced Diet

Sufficient salt consumption (recommended by a physician).

Good proteins, vegetables, and whole grains.

Shunning sugar and processed food.

2. Yoga & Stress Management

Light yoga, breathing, and meditation can be used to address the stressor, which makes the adrenal system work less, and symptoms become stable.

3. Complementary Therapies

When used as a complement rather than an alternative treatment, homeopathy, ayurveda, and integrative therapies could assist in desiccation, stress, and sleeping and the general well-being.

Prognosis

Through good medical treatment, lifestyle management, and frequent checkups, patients with Addison's disease can have a normal, healthy, and active life.