Addison’s disease

Addison’s disease is a clinical state, resulting from insufficient production of hormones from suprarenal glands. In 80% of the cases it is due to autoimmune process and in 20% - to TB. The first symptoms are non-specific – lassitude, easy tiredness and muscular weakness. Gradually the skin becomes dark, there are pigmentations in mouth cavity. There are gastrointestinal complaints – nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, loss of body mass. Arterial pressure is with low values. The patients have faints, palpitation and vertigo, in women – menstrual disorders. Treatment is by substitution – by cortisone drugs.