Because Addison’s Disease can be caused by unexpected events like injury, its symptoms can arrive quickly and without much warning. This results in what’s known as an Addisonian crisis, also known as acute adrenal insufficiency. If not recognized and quickly treated, this crisis can be fatal.
The symptoms of the crisis version of Addison’s Disease include dehydration, extreme fatigue, mental changes like confusion or extreme anxiety, total loss of consciousness or sleeplessness, lightheadedness, high fever, vomiting, paleness, diarrhea, and excruciating pain in the lower back, legs or stomach areas.
A doctor will diagnose Addison’s Disease with a physical exam; a blood test to determine current levels of cortisol and other hormones, as well as potassium, sodium and other minerals; a test whereby the adrenal glands are given a shot of ACTH hormone to see how much cortisol they can produce after the stimulation; X-rays to determine whether calcium deposits on the glands are present and affecting production; and a CT scan to examine the glands and determine the presence of any infection or damage to the adrenal glands.
After these tests, doctors then will be able to determine the best course of treatment, which is usually medication and watchfulness on the part of the patient in conjunction with a medical professional.
Treatments for Addison’s Disease
Fortunately, treatments can restore sufferers to good health and normal lives, but Addison’s Disease is a lifelong issue that needs constant monitoring.