Addison's disease

What is it?
Signs, symptoms
Tests
Treatment

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms associated with adrenal insufficiency are often vague and nonspecific. They may emerge slowly, first appearing during times of stress, then increasing in intensity over a period of several months. Symptoms may include:

Abdominal pain
Decreased body hair
Dehydration (only in Addison’s disease)
Diarrhoea or constipation
Dizziness and fainting
Fatigue
Hyperpigmentation (only in Addison’s disease - dark patches of skin, especially in the folds of the skin. Sometime black freckles on the forehead and face and/or discoloration around areas such as the nipples, lips, and rectum)
Joint and muscle aches
Low blood pressure
hypoglycemia
Muscle weakness
Salt craving (only in Addison’s disease)
Vomiting
Weight loss

Sometimes, however, the signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency may appear suddenly. About 25% of the time adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed during a crisis (also called an Addisonian crisis). This crisis may be caused by a period of increased stress, trauma, surgery, or a severe infection. If left untreated it can be fatal. In acute adrenal failure (Addisonian crisis), the signs and symptoms may include:

Kidney failure
Loss of consciousness
Low blood pressure
Severe pain in the lower back, abdomen or legs
Severe vomiting and diarrhoea, leading to dehydration
Shock