Question

What are some causes that may exacerbate someone with Addison's disease?

A) Stress, infection, and trauma
B) Adequate rest and hydration
C) High-sodium diet
D) Regular exercise and sunlight exposure

Answer 1

Stress, infection, and trauma can exacerbate symptoms of Addison's disease by increasing the body's demand for cortisol, which the affected adrenal glands cannot adequately produce.

Step-by-step explanation:

Factors that may exacerbate symptoms in someone with Addison's disease include stress, infection, and trauma. These conditions can trigger or worsen an adrenal crisis due to increased demand for cortisol, which the body cannot sufficiently produce due to the compromised function of the adrenal glands. It is important for individuals with Addison's disease to manage stress, avoid infection, and take care when there's a risk of trauma to prevent exacerbating this condition. In addition, untreated infections, especially tuberculosis, and decreased output of ACTH by the pituitary gland can also damage the adrenal cortex and worsen the symptoms of the disease.