Final answer:
Addison's disease is the hyposecretion of cortisol due to autoimmune issues, infections, or pituitary gland malfunctions and is treated with lifelong cortisol replacement therapy. Symptoms include fatigue, low blood pressure, skin changes, and cravings for salt, with diagnosis often relying on blood tests and gland imaging.
Step-by-step explanation:
Addison's disease, a form of adrenal insufficiency, is a condition caused by the hyposecretion of hormones, such as cortisol, by the adrenal cortex. This disease can be attributed to an autoimmune response where the body's immune system attacks the adrenal gland, infections that damage the adrenal cortex, or a decreased output of ACTH from the pituitary gland due to a tumor.
The symptoms of Addison's disease include low blood pressure, extreme fatigue, weight loss, and skin hyperpigmentation, making it challenging to diagnose due to the symptoms' nonspecific nature. Cortisol replacement therapy is the standard treatment for Addison's disease, which usually continues for life to manage symptoms effectively.
Some of the characteristic signs and symptoms of Addison's disease are general weakness, abdominal pain, weight loss, chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and cravings for salty food due to loss of sodium and high blood potassium levels. Diagnostic procedures often involve blood tests to check cortisol levels and imaging tests to examine the state of the adrenal and pituitary glands.