Addison's Disease
(See also: Autoimmune Adrenalitis: autoimmune adrenal atrophy)
The Addison's disease is not autoimmune disease per se, but the consequence of a progressive destruction of the adrenal cortex.
However, the most common cause of progressive destruction today autoimmune idiopathic atrophy (Autoimmunadrenalitis) of the adrenal cortex, is why the disease is listed here. Previously, in 70-90% of cases of tuberculosis for Addison's disease is responsible.
The autoimmune response against the tissue of the adrenal cortex leads to their destruction, so that they perform their function as a hormone producer can not.
The symptoms of the disease occur only if 90% of the tissue of the adrenal cortex is destroyed.
The two most important hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex are cortisol and Aldosteron.Cortisol have several important functions in the body, including the energy of the body. Aldosterone regulates blood pressure and renal function.
Frequency
The Addison's disease is found in five out of approximately 100,000 inhabitants in Western Europe.
Symptoms
- Reduction in physical fitness
- Lowering of blood pressure
- "Salt hunger"
- General symptoms such as nausea and Anorexia
Diagnosis
In the diagnosis of Addison's disease in the blood of quantity of is determined to cortisol. If this value is decreased and are currently specific antibodies against the adrenal cortex (about 80% of patients), the diagnosis is considered secured.
Complications
"Addison-crisis": a life-threatening situation that can result from exceptional costs.