Addison's Disease – What You Need to Know Fast

Ever felt unusually tired, dizzy, or craving salty foods? Those could be clues your adrenal glands aren’t pulling their weight. Addison's disease, also called primary adrenal insufficiency, happens when your body can’t make enough cortisol and aldosterone. Below we break down the basics so you can spot the signs and act.

What is Addison's disease?

Addison's disease is a rare condition where the adrenal glands—tiny triangles perched above your kidneys—stop producing key hormones. Without enough cortisol, you lose the ability to handle stress, keep blood sugar steady, and maintain blood pressure. Aldosterone loss means you can’t hold onto sodium, leading to low blood pressure and dehydration.

Most cases stem from an autoimmune attack, but infections, cancers, or injuries can also damage the glands. Because symptoms creep in slowly, many people chalk them up to everyday fatigue or stress before getting a proper diagnosis.

Spotting the symptoms

Typical signs include:

• Persistent fatigue and muscle weakness
• Darkening of the skin, especially on knuckles and scars
• Low blood pressure that makes you feel light‑headed when standing
• Cravings for salty foods or frequent dizziness after a salty snack
• Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
• Nausea, abdominal pain, or diarrhea

If you notice a combo of these, especially a sudden drop in energy after a stressful event, it’s worth talking to a doctor.

Doctors confirm Addison's with blood tests that check cortisol, ACTH, and electrolyte levels. A rapid ACTH stimulation test shows how well the adrenal glands respond. Imaging like CT scans can rule out tumors or bleeding that might be causing the problem.

Once diagnosed, treatment is straightforward but lifelong: hormone replacement. Most people take hydrocortisone for cortisol and fludrocortisone for aldosterone. The goal is to mimic your body’s natural rhythm, taking higher doses during stress or illness.

Adjusting the dose is a personal process. Your doctor will guide you on how to increase the amount when you’ve got a fever, a surgery, or any major stress. Never skip a dose—missing it can trigger an adrenal crisis, a medical emergency marked by severe vomiting, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.

Living with Addison's means a few practical steps:

• Carry a medical alert bracelet or card that says you have adrenal insufficiency.
• Keep an emergency injection kit of hydrocortisone handy.
• Stay hydrated and don’t skip salty snacks if you’re feeling light‑headed.
• Tell your dentist, surgeon, and any other health professional about your condition before procedures.

These habits help you avoid crises and keep daily life normal.

While the tag page lists a variety of medication guides—from Montelukast for asthma to Azithromycin for infections—knowing how each drug interacts with adrenal hormones can be useful. For example, certain steroids or anti‑inflammatory meds may mask symptoms, so always discuss any new prescription with your endocrinologist.

Bottom line: Addison's disease is manageable with the right diagnosis and consistent hormone replacement. Keep an eye on your symptoms, follow your treatment plan, and stay prepared for stress situations. With those steps, you can lead a full, active life despite the condition.