Final answer:
Addison's disease is marked by symptoms due to low production of cortisol, leading to fatigue, hyperpigmentation, low blood pressure, and cravings for salt. Diagnosis involves blood tests and imaging, and it is treated with lifelong cortisol replacement therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Addison's disease is a disorder resulting from the hyposecretion of adrenal cortex hormones, chiefly cortisol and to some extent mineralocorticoids. This condition may arise due to an autoimmune response, untreated infections like tuberculosis, or diminished output of ACTH because of a pituitary tumor.
Hyperpigmentation, excessive fatigue, low blood pressure, weight loss, vomiting, and cravings for salty food due to low blood sodium levels are some major symptoms. A more detailed symptom list includes general weakness, abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels), and hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels). In stressful situations, an adrenal crisis may occur, presenting severe symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, and hypotension that can lead to shock. Diagnosis often requires blood tests and imaging, while treatment typically involves lifelong cortisol replacement therapy.