艾迪斯on's Disease |Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of Addison’s disease?
Symptoms of mild Addison's disease may only be apparent when your child is under physical stress. While each child may experience symptoms differently, some of the most common symptoms include:
- weakness
- fatigue
- dizziness
- rapid pulse
- darkening of the skin (first noted on hands and face)
- black freckles
- bluish-black discoloration around the nipples, mouth, rectum, scrotum or vagina
- weight loss
- dehydration
- loss of appetite
- intense salt craving
- muscle aches
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- intolerance to cold
What causes Addison’s disease?
艾迪斯on’s disease is most often caused by the destruction of the adrenal gland due to an autoimmune response. Some cases are caused by the destruction of the adrenal glands through cancer, infection or other disease.
Other causes may include:
- use of corticosteroids (such as prednisone) to treat another condition, such asasthma,inflammatory bowel diseaseor certain types ofcancer
- use of certain medications to treat fungal infections, which may block production of corticosteroids in the adrenal glands
In rare cases, Addison's disease is inherited as an X-linked trait, meaning that the gene responsible for the condition is located on the X chromosome and passed down from a mother to her child. In this form, symptoms typically begin in childhood or adolescence.
艾迪斯on's Disease |Diagnosis & Treatment
How is Addison’s disease diagnosed?
Symptoms for Addison’s disease often come on slowly. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for Addison's disease may include:
- laboratory blood teststo measure levels of corticosteroid hormone (cortisol) and the pituitary hormone ACTH, which regulates adrenal gland function
- ACTH stimulation testto assess adrenal gland function
- measurement of electrolytesin the blood
Based on the results of these tests, your child’s doctor will be able to definitively diagnose whether your child has Addison’s disease.
How is Addison's disease treated?
The goal of treatment is to restore your child's adrenal function by replacing essential hormones such as hydrocortisone. Sometimes, prednisone may be used in place of hydrocortisone. Hormones may be taken orally or intravenously, depending on your child's condition. In most cases, your child must continue taking them for life. In addition, your child may need to increase medication during times of physical stress, injury, infection or surgery.
Treatment may also include a synthetic form of aldosterone that helps restore the body's levels of sodium and potassium. Because Addison's disease is rare and isn't typically tested in an emergency situation, it's a good idea for your child to wear a Medic Alert bracelet that clearly communicates the condition to others.