How to Treat Addison's Disease

Addison's disease is an endocrine disorder in which the adrenal glands fail to produce enough of the hormones cortisol and/or aldosterone, which are necessary for efficient metabolic functions throughout the body. Addison's disease is also an autoimmune disorder, since the disease is also sometimes characterized by the manufacturing of antibodies that slowly destroy the outer layer of the adrenal glands, or the adrenal cortex. Only about one in 100,000 people are affected by this disorder. If you're one of them, then you should learn more about how to treat Addison's disease.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Find Out How to Treat Addison's Disease

1. Understand why treatment is necessary. The role of cortisol alone is substantial, and a lack of it is significant. Cortisol helps the body to regulate blood pressure, metabolize proteins, carbohydrates and fats, keep the inflammatory response of the immune system in check and promote the conversion of insulin into fuel for cells.

2. Aldosterone regulates kidney function. Without sufficient amounts of this hormone, the kidneys cannot utilize sodium and secrete potassium as they should.

3. Expect to treat Addison's disease with oral hormone replacement therapy. Hydrocortisone tablets, a synthetic version of cortisol, are usually taken one to two times per day.

4. Aldosterone replacement therapy, if necessary, is achieved by oral administration of fludrocortisone acetate (such as Florinef), which belongs to the same class of mineralocorticoids as aldosterone.

5. Be alert to signs of an "Addisonian crisis," which is regarded as a life-threatening emergency and is immediately treated with intravenous injections of hydrocortisone, a saline solution and dextrose (sugar).

6. Remain in regular contact with your doctor so she can adjust your replacement hormone medications as necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• It's a good idea to keep extra medication available in your car or office in case you ever leave home without it. In fact, you might want to ask your doctor for a prescription for corticosteroids that can be injected via syringe during an emergency.
• Severe symptoms, such as abnormally high levels of potassium or low blood glucose levels and blood pressure to the point of fainting, may be signs of an "Addisonian crisis." Immediate medical attention is required, as this escalated condition can be life-threatening.
• Be sure to wear a medical alert bracelet and/or carry an alert card with you at all times so that medical personnel will know how to treat you in the event that you become unresponsive in an emergency.

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