Final answer:
Adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison's disease, is diagnosed through blood tests for cortisol, ACTH, and adrenal antibodies, CRH stimulation test, and imaging, and is treated with lifelong cortisol replacement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diagnosis of Adrenal Insufficiency
The diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency, which is the medical term for insufficient production of cortisol by the adrenal glands, often involves a series of tests. A classic test is the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation test, which assesses the adrenal gland's response to ACTH. If the cortisol response is inadequate, it indicates adrenal insufficiency.
Autoimmune Addison Disease (Addison's disease) is a primary form of this condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal cortex. In Addison's disease, patients may exhibit symptoms like low blood pressure, fatigue, and electrolyte imbalances, namely hyperkalemia and hyponatremia. Blood tests checking cortisol levels, ACTH, aldosterone, and the presence of adrenal autoantibodies, along with imaging of the adrenal and pituitary glands, help confirm the diagnosis. Addison's disease is often treated with lifelong cortisol replacement therapy.