What it means
Primary adrenal insufficiency, named after Thomas Addison, the English doctor who described it. Most often the immune system attacks the adrenal cortex. Without enough cortisolKOR-tih-solA steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, stress and inflammation.Full entry and aldosterone, the body loses sodium and water and holds potassium. Common signs are tiredness, weight loss, low blood pressure, salt craving, low blood glucose and darkening of the skin. A sudden severe shortage (adrenal crisis) can cause shock and death.
For the nurse
Teach lifelong hormone replacement, a higher dose during illness or stress as the provider directs, and a medical alert ID. Watch for adrenal crisis: severe weakness, vomiting, low blood pressure and confusion.
Remember it
Addison needs cortisol "added"; Cushing has too much.
At a glance
| Spanish | enfermedad de Addison |
|---|---|
| Also written | Addison's disease, Addison’s disease, addisons-disease |
Easy to confuse with
Cushing syndrome
A condition caused by too much cortisol in the body over a long time.
Related terms
hyperkalemia
A blood potassium level above normal, over 5.0 mEq/L.
hyponatremia
A blood sodium level below normal, under 135 mEq/L.
cortisol
A steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, stress and inflammation.
adrenal gland
One of two small glands that sit on top of the kidneys and make hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone and epinephrine.
Cushing syndrome
A condition caused by too much cortisol in the body over a long time.