Question

What tests confirm Addison's disease?

Answer 1

Addison's disease:

1. Addison's disease is an uncommon illness.
2. In Addison's disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol or, less frequently, aldosterone, a related hormone.
3. Cortisol's primary role is to assist the body in responding to stress. It also aids in the regulation of your body's usage of protein, carbs, and fat, as well as the maintenance of blood pressure and cardiovascular function and the management of inflammation.
4. Aldosterone influences the sodium and potassium balance in the blood.
5. This, in turn, regulates the quantity of fluid removed by the kidneys as urine, which influences blood volume and blood pressure.

Symptoms of Addison's disease:

1. Abdominal discomfort
2. Dehydration
3. Diarrhoea
4. Irritability
5. Lightheadedness
6. Loss of appetite
7. Low blood glucose
8. Low blood pressure
9. Muscle weakness
10. Nausea and vomiting
11. Patches of dark skin, especially around scars, skin folds, and joints
12. Sensitivity to cold
13. Unexplained weight loss

Tests for Addison's disease:

1. ACTH stimulation test: evaluates the reaction of the adrenal glands to an injection of synthetic ACTH. If the adrenal glands generate low quantities of cortisol following the injection, they may be dysfunctional.
2. A blood test is performed to determine the levels of sodium, potassium, cortisol, and ACTH in the body.
3. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are examples of imaging tests.
4. Insulin-induced hypoglycemia test: This test involves measuring blood sugar and cortisol levels following an insulin injection. In healthy adults, glucose levels drop while cortisol levels rise.