Final answer:
The most common cause of adrenal insufficiency is Autoimmune Addison Disease, affecting up to 80% of cases, with cortisol replacement therapy being the primary treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most Common Cause of Adrenal Insufficiency
The most common cause of adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison's disease, is Autoimmune Addison Disease (AAD). This condition occurs when the body's immune system attacks the adrenal glands, leading to the destruction of the glandular tissue. Up to 80% of Addison's disease cases are autoimmune in nature. This immune response can also be associated with autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes (APS), which involve other endocrine glands. Antibodies to enzymes such as 21-hydroxylase (21-OH) are diagnostic for AAD. Treatment for AAD primarily involves lifelong cortisol replacement therapy, necessary due to the impaired production of crucial hormones like cortisol and, in some cases, mineralocorticoids.
Treatment for Adrenal Insufficiency
Regarding the treatment, patients typically require lifelong medication to manage the condition. Cortisol replacement therapy is the mainstay treatment, aimed at normalizing hormone levels and alleviating symptoms such as fatigue, low blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances. Other treatments may involve managing associated conditions like hypoglycemia and hyperkalemia.