Final answer:
Addison's disease is characterized by inadequate cortisol production due to adrenal gland damage, often caused by autoimmunity. Symptoms include fatigue, low blood pressure, and hyperpigmentation, and are managed with lifelong cortisol replacement therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Addison's Disease
Addison's disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency or chronic adrenal insufficiency, involves hyposecretion of cortisol due to damage or dysfunction of the adrenal glands. Often autoimmune in nature, the condition can also be caused by infections, such as tuberculosis, or by decreased production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) due to pituitary disorders.
Symptoms of Addison's disease include low blood pressure, fatigue, weakness, hyperpigmentation, and cravings for salt, due to an imbalance in sodium and potassium levels. Diagnostic measures typically involve blood tests to assess cortisol, ACTH, sodium, potassium, and possibly autoantibodies directed against adrenal tissues. Imaging tests may also be used to evaluate the adrenal and pituitary glands. Treatment usually consists of lifelong cortisol replacement therapy to manage the symptoms and prevent an adrenal crisis.