Addison's disease, also called adrenal insufficiency, is an uncommon illness that occurs when the body doesn't make enough of certain hormones. In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands make too little cortisol and, often, too little of another hormone, aldosterone. Show
Addison's disease can affect anyone and can be life-threatening. Treatment involves taking hormones to replace those that are missing. Products & Services
SymptomsAddison's disease symptoms usually happen slowly, often over months. The disease can move so slowly that people who have it may ignore the symptoms at first. Then a stress, such as illness or injury, makes symptoms worse. Symptoms may include:
Acute adrenal failure, known as addisonian crisisSometimes the symptoms of Addison's disease appear suddenly. Acute adrenal failure can lead to life-threatening shock. Seek emergency treatment for the following:
When to see a doctorSee a health care provider if you have common symptoms of Addison's disease, such as:
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You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Adrenal insufficiency can be primary or secondary. Addison disease, or primary adrenal insufficiency, occurs rarely, but when it occurs, there is loss of at least 90% of the adrenal cortex. Secondary insufficiency occurs from disorders of the pituitary gland. The adrenal glands consist of the medulla and the cortex. The medulla is responsible for the secretion of the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine; the cortex is responsible for the secretion of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgen. The principal glucocorticoid, cortisol, helps regulate blood pressure, metabolism, anti-inflammatory response, and emotional behavior. The principal mineralocorticoid, aldosterone, is important for regulating sodium levels. Adrenal insufficiency is characterized by the decreased production of cortisol, aldosterone, and androgen. Cortisol deficiency causes altered metabolism, decreased stress tolerance, and emotional lability. Aldosterone deficiency causes urinary loss of sodium, chloride, and water, resulting in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Androgen deficiency leads to the loss of secondary sex characteristics. Approximately 8% of people with adrenal insufficiency require hospital treatment each year for adrenal crisis (see acute adrenal crisis). The major cause of illness or death for people with Addison disease is a delay in making the diagnosis, or failure to begin appropriate therapy with glucocorticoids and/or mineralocorticoids. Complications include bone loss and hypothyroidism. Causes Primary adrenal insufficiency is caused by the destruction of the adrenal gland. Idiopathic adrenal atrophy is the most common cause of adrenal insufficiency. It is not known exactly why this occurs, but it is believed to be related to an autoimmune response that results in the slow destruction of adrenal tissue. Tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, AIDS, malignancies, and hemorrhage into the adrenal glands have all been associated with destruction of the adrenal glands. All patients with adrenal insufficiency or steroid-dependent disorders are at risk for an acute adrenal crisis. Secondary adrenal insufficiency results from hypopituitarism due to hypothalamic-pituitary disease or suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis by steroid therapy. Secondary adrenal failure can also occur with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency caused by disorders of the pituitary or hypothalamus or suppression because of glucocorticoid therapy. Other causes include physiological stress, including surgery, anesthesia, fluid volume loss, trauma, asthma, hypothermia, alcohol abuse, myocardial infarction, fever, hypoglycemia, pain, and depression. Genetic ConsiderationsAddison disease has a strong genetic component, with a recent twin study estimating a heritability of 97%. The most well established risk factors include variants in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, which follow a recessive pattern of inheritance. There is also a form of X-linked congenital adrenal insufficiency that is associated with mutations in the NR0B1 gene that produce the DAX1 protein. DAX1 mutations also appear to contribute to milder disease or delayed onset. Adrenal insufficiency is often seen in families in association with other autoimmune disorders, most commonly with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome (APS). Gender, Ancestry, and Life Span ConsiderationsAddison disease, particularly idiopathic autoimmune Addison disease, affects females more than males and occurs most often in adults from ages 30 to 50. Children may develop the condition if they have genetic susceptibility. Ethnicity and race have no known effects on the risk for Addison disease. Global Health ConsiderationsIn developed countries, the incidence in Western countries is 50 cases per 1 million persons. No data are available on Eastern countries or many developing nations. Assessment History Determine if the patient has a history of recent infection, steroid use, or adrenal or pituitary surgery. Patients may describe vague symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and weight loss. They may experience hyperpigmentation of the skin (particularly on the knuckles, elbows, knees, palmar creases), nailbeds, and mucous membranes that has lasted for months or even years. Establish a history of poor tolerance for stress, weakness, fatigue, and activity intolerance. Ask if the patient has experienced anorexia, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea as a result of altered metabolism. Some patients have dizziness with orthostasis due to hypotension. Elicit a history of craving for salt or intolerance to cold. Determine presence of altered menses in females and impotence in males. Physical ExaminationAssess the patient for signs of dehydration such as tachycardia, altered level of consciousness, dry skin with poor turgor, dry mucous membranes, weight loss, and weak peripheral pulses. Check for postural hypotension–that is, a drop in systolic blood pressure greater than 15 mm Hg when the patient is moved from a lying position to a sitting or standing position. Inspect the skin for pigmentation changes caused by an altered regulation of melanin, noting if surgical scars, skin folds, and genitalia show a characteristic bronze color. Inspect the patient's gums and oral mucous membranes to see if they are bluish-black. Take the patient's temperature to see if it is subnormal. Note any loss of axillary and pubic hair that could be caused by decreased androgen levels. PsychosocialBecause an acute adrenal crisis may be precipitated by emotional stress, periodic psychosocial assessments are necessary for patients with adrenal insufficiency. Patients with an adrenal insufficiency frequently complain of weakness and fatigue, which are also characteristic of an emotional problem. However, weakness and fatigue of an emotional origin seem to have a pattern of being worse in the morning and lessening throughout the day, whereas the weakness and fatigue of adrenal insufficiency seem to be precipitated by activity and lessen with rest. Patients with adrenal insufficiency may show signs of depression and irritability from decreased cortisol levels. Diagnostic HighlightsGeneral Comments: To determine if a cortisol deficit exists, a plasma cortisol level is drawn in the morning; less than 10 mcg/dL suggests adrenal insufficiency; further testing may be needed to determine if the adrenal glands have a primary deficiency or if the pituitary cannot produce enough ACTH (secondary adrenal failure). TestNormal ResultAbnormality With ConditionExplanationSerum cortisol level (adult)6:00 to 8:00 a.m. levels should be 5–25 mcg/dLDecreasedDetermines the ability of the adrenal gland to produce glucocorticoidsSerum electrolytes and chemistries (adult)Sodium 135–145 mEq/L; potassium 3.5–5.3 mEq/L; blood urea nitrogen 8–21 mg/dL; glucose 70–100 mg/dLHyponatremia; hyperkalemia; azotemia; hypoglycemiaValues reflect sodium loss from a deficit in mineralocorticoids with loss of fluids and poor glucose control because of decreased gluconeogenesis; most consistent finding is elevated blood urea nitrogen due to hypovolemia, decreased glomerular filtration rate, and decreased renal plasma flowACTH stimulation testWithin 15–30 min of ACTH infusion, the adrenal cortex releases 2 to 5 times its normal plasma cortisol level, and the cortisol value should be above 20 mcg/dLLevel ≤ 20 mcg/dL in 30 or 60 minAdrenal glands cannot respond to the stimulation from ACTH and demonstrate that they are not functioning normally Other Tests: Computed tomography of the abdomen; chest x-ray to determine heart size or presence of tuberculosis or fungal infections; metyrapone suppression test; urine 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) and 17-ketosteroids (17-KS); thyroid-stimulating hormone; serum calcium; and electrocardiogram (ECG) Primary Nursing DiagnosisDiagnosis: Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to insufficient dietary intake as evidenced by anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea Outcomes: Fluid balance; Hydration; Nutritional status: Food and fluid intake; Nutritional status: Energy Interventions: Fluid/electrolyte management; Hypoglycemia management; Nutritional management; Nutritional counseling Planning ImplementationCollaborativeCollaborative treatment of adrenal insufficiency focuses on restoring fluid, electrolyte, and hormone balances. The fluid used for adrenal insufficiency will most likely be 5% dextrose in 0.9% sodium chloride to replace fluid volume, glucose, and serum sodium. Correct sodium, potassium, calcium, and glucose abnormalities. Patients with adrenal insufficiency will require lifelong replacement steroid therapy, which needs careful monitoring for signs of inadequate replacement. Patients on an appropriate maintenance dose should not experience morning weakness, dizziness, and headaches. Patients with diabetes mellitus will require insulin adjustments for elevated serum glucose levels. Pharmacologic Highlights: General Comments: Fludrocortisone promotes kidney reabsorption of sodium and the excretion of potassium. Overtreatment can result in fluid retention and possibly congestive heart failure; therefore, monitor serum potassium and sodium levels frequently during fludrocortisone administration. Medication or Drug ClassDosageDescriptionRationaleGlucocorticoids such as hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, and prednisoneVaries by drugCorticosteroidReplacement therapy in deficiency stateFludrocortisone0.1 mg PO dailyMineralocorticoidReplacement therapy in deficiency state IndependentBecause of the negative effect of physical and emotional stress on the patient with adrenal insufficiency, promote strategies that reduce stress. If the patient develops an infection or heavy cold, or has a procedure such as a minor surgery or tooth extraction, teach the patient to double or triple her or his corticosteroid dose or to check with the provider about increasing the dose. Teach the patient to rest between activities to conserve energy and to wear warm clothing to increase comfort and limit heat loss. To limit the risk of infection, encourage the patient to use good hand-washing techniques and to limit exposure to people with infections. To prevent complications, teach the patient to avoid using lotions that contain alcohol to prevent skin dryness and breakdown and to eat a nutritious diet that has adequate proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to maintain sodium and potassium balance. Finally, the prospect of a chronic disease and the need to avoid stress may lead patients to impaired social interaction and ineffective coping. Discuss with the patient the presence of support systems and coping patterns. Provide emotional support by encouraging the patient to verbalize feelings about an altered body image and anxieties about the disease process. Incorporate the patient's unique positive characteristics and strengths into the care plan. Encourage the patient to interact with family and significant others. Before discharge, refer patients who exhibit disabling behaviors to therapists, self-help groups, or crisis intervention centers. Evidence Based Practice Health PolicyShepherd, L., Tahrani, A., Inman, C., Arlt, W., & Carrick-Sen, D. (2017). Exploration of knowledge and understanding in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency: A mixed methods study. BMC Endocrine Disorders, 17(1), 47.
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Discharge and Home Healthcare GuidelinesPREVENTION. To prevent acute adrenal crisis, teach patients how to avoid stress. Emphasize the need to take medications as prescribed and to contact the physician if the patient becomes stressed or unable to take medications. Make sure the patient knows to alert the surgeon about adrenal insufficiency prior to all surgical procedures. Parenteral corticosteroids will likely be prescribed during any major procedure or times of major stress or trauma. MEDICATIONS. Be sure the patient understands the reason for steroids that are prescribed. (See for a full explanation.) Some patients will be taught to give themselves an IM injection of steroids to be administered if they are unable to take their medication orally. RESOURCES. Referrals may be necessary to identify potential physical and emotional problems. Notify the hospital's social service department before patient discharge if you have identified obvious environmental stressors. Initiate home health nursing to ensure compliance with medical therapy and early detection of complications. If you identify emotional problems, refer the patient to therapists or self-help groups. Patient Teaching for Corticosteroids
Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison Disease) is a sample topic from the Diseases and Disorders. To view other topics, please log in or purchase a subscription. Nursing Central is an award-winning, complete mobile solution for nurses and students. Look up information on diseases, tests, and procedures; then consult the database with 5,000+ drugs or refer to 65,000+ dictionary terms. Complete Product Information. CitationSommers, Marilyn Sawyer.. "Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison Disease)." Diseases and Disorders, 6th ed., F.A. Davis Company, 2019. Nursing Central Redesign, nursing.unboundmedicine.com/nursingcentral/view/Diseases-and-Disorders/73511/all/Adrenal_Insufficiency__Addison_Disease_. Sommers MSM. Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison Disease). Diseases and Disorders. F.A. Davis Company; 2019. https://nursing.unboundmedicine.com/nursingcentral/view/Diseases-and-Disorders/73511/all/Adrenal_Insufficiency__Addison_Disease_. Accessed December 30, 2022. Sommers, M. S. (2019). Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison Disease). In Diseases and Disorders (6th ed.). F.A. Davis Company. https://nursing.unboundmedicine.com/nursingcentral/view/Diseases-and-Disorders/73511/all/Adrenal_Insufficiency__Addison_Disease_ Sommers MSM. Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison Disease) [Internet]. In: Diseases and Disorders. F.A. Davis Company; 2019. [cited 2022 December 30]. Available from: https://nursing.unboundmedicine.com/nursingcentral/view/Diseases-and-Disorders/73511/all/Adrenal_Insufficiency__Addison_Disease_. * Article titles in AMA citation format should be in sentence-case CopyDownloadTY - ELEC T1 - Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison Disease) ID - 73511 A1 - Sommers,Marilyn Sawyer, BT - Diseases and Disorders UR - https://nursing.unboundmedicine.com/nursingcentral/view/Diseases-and-Disorders/73511/all/Adrenal_Insufficiency__Addison_Disease_ PB - F.A. Davis Company ET - 6 DB - Nursing Central Redesign DP - Unbound Medicine ER - What electrolyte imbalance is associated with Addison's disease?In Addison's disease, hyponatremia results from aldosterone deficiency (leading to renal sodium loss) and water retention (via the increased release of ADH) in response to a reduction in systemic blood pressure and cardiac output [9].
What is a priority for a patient in Addisonian crisis?In adrenal crisis, an intravenous or intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone (an injectable corticosteroid) must be given immediately. Supportive treatment of low blood pressure with intravenous fluids is usually necessary. Hospitalization is required for adequate treatment and monitoring.
What is an expected finding in a client with adrenal crisis Addisonian crisis )?Addisonian crisis is often manifested by severe dehydration, confusion, refractory hypotension, and shock. It is more likely to occur in primary adrenal insufficiency than secondary adrenal insufficiency.
Does Addison's cause hyperkalemia?Presenting signs and symptoms of Addison's disease include weakness, fatigue, anorexia, and skin pigmentation with hypotension, hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia.
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Which electrolyte abnormality should you be carefully monitoring in the client with Addisons crisis
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