Ir al contenido principal

Autoimmune Addison disease

Autoimmune Addison disease affects the function of the adrenal glands, which are small hormone-producing glands located on top of each kidney. It is classified as an autoimmune disorder because it results from a malfunctioning immune system that attacks the adrenal glands. As a result, the production of several hormones is disrupted, which affects many body systems.

Descripción

Autoimmune Addison disease affects the function of the adrenal glands, which are small hormone-producing glands located on top of each kidney. It is classified as an autoimmune disorder because it results from a malfunctioning immune system that attacks the adrenal glands. As a result, the production of several hormones is disrupted, which affects many body systems.

The signs and symptoms of autoimmune Addison disease can begin at any time, although they most commonly begin between ages 30 and 50. Common features of this condition include extreme tiredness (fatigue), nausea, decreased appetite, and weight loss. In addition, many affected individuals have low blood pressure (hypotension), which can lead to dizziness when standing up quickly; muscle cramps; and a craving for salty foods. A characteristic feature of autoimmune Addison disease is abnormally dark areas of skin (hyperpigmentation), especially in regions that experience a lot of friction, such as the armpits, elbows, knuckles, and palm creases. The lips and the inside lining of the mouth can also be unusually dark. Because of an imbalance of hormones involved in development of sexual characteristics, women with this condition may lose their underarm and pubic hair.

Other signs and symptoms of autoimmune Addison disease include low levels of sugar (hypoglycemia) and sodium (hyponatremia) and high levels of potassium (hyperkalemia) in the blood. Affected individuals may also have a shortage of red blood cells (anaemia) and an increase in the number of white blood cells (lymphocytosis), particularly those known as eosinophils (eosinophilia).

Autoimmune Addison disease can lead to a life-threatening adrenal crisis, characterised by vomiting, abdominal pain, back or leg cramps, and severe hypotension leading to shock. The adrenal crisis is often triggered by a stressor, such as surgery, trauma, or infection.

Individuals with autoimmune Addison disease or their family members can have another autoimmune disorder, most commonly autoimmune thyroid disease or type 1 diabetes.

Patrones de herencia

The source lists the following possible inheritance patterns: Pattern unknown. More than one pattern can apply in different cases.

Otros nombres

Autoimmune Addison's disease

Autoimmune adrenalitis

Classic Addison disease

Primary Addison disease

Related patient information and medicines

Enfermedad de Addison

Patient information leaflet

Enfermedad de Addison

Add... Addison's disease causes Causes of Addison's disease include: Autoimmune Addison's enfermedad In Western Europe, more than 8 in 10 cases are due to an autoimmune disease. The immune system normally makes proteins called antibodies, which are sent into the bloodstream to attack bacteria, viruses, and other germs. If you have autoimmune.

Psoriasis ungueal

Patient information leaflet

Psoriasis ungueal

La psoriasis es a persistent (chronic) skin condition which tends to flare up from time to time. About half of the people who have psoriasis also have changes affecting their nails. Enfermedad ungueal psoriásica es a type of psoriasis. For example, methotrexate , ciclosporin, acitretin , infliximab, etanercepto , efalizumab, ustekinumab o adalimumab. There.

Fármacos antirreumáticos modificadores de la enfermedad

Patient information leaflet

Fármacos antirreumáticos modificadores de la enfermedad

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are medicines that are normally prescribed as soon as artritis reumatoide (AR) is diagnosed, in order to reduce damage to the joints. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are a group of medicines that are used to ease the síntomas de artritis reumatoide (AR) and reduce the damaging effect.

Enfermedades relacionadas con el asbesto

Patient information leaflet

Enfermedades relacionadas con el asbesto

People exposed to asbestos can develop diseases in later life. These most commonly affect the lungs but can also affect the lining of the tummy (abdomen). Some conditions - for example, mesothelioma or lung cancer - are more serious than others. This leaflet gives a brief overview of the diseases that are related to having an exposure to asbestos.

La enfermedad de Buerger

Patient information leaflet

La enfermedad de Buerger

Buerger's disease causes inflammation of blood vessels in the legs and arms, particularly in the hands and feet. It leads to narrowing and blockage of the blood vessels so that blood flow to the hands and feet is reduced. This causes pain ... What is Buerger's disease. La enfermedad de Buerger is a condition that causes inflammation of the small- and.

Enfermedad ocular tiroidea

Patient information leaflet

Enfermedad ocular tiroidea

Thyroid eye disease causes el muscles and soft tissues within the eye socket to swell. This is most often due to an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune thyroid enfermedad Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune disease, most often occurring in association with an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). The immune system normally makes small proteins.

Lecturas adicionales y referencias

Historial del artículo

La información en esta página está escrita y revisada por pares por clínicos calificados.
  • 17 Mar 2026 | Última versión
  • 1 Jun 2014 | Publicado originalmente

Únete a la conversación

Comparte tus pensamientos o experiencias con otros en nuestro comunidades de pacientes.

Aviso legal: The views expressed in the community do not represent medical advice. For any health concerns, consult your GP or healthcare provider.
verificador de elegibilidad para la gripe

Pregunta, comparte, conecta.

Navega por discusiones, haz preguntas y comparte experiencias en cientos de temas de salud.

Suscríbete al boletín de Patient

Tu dosis semanal de consejos de salud claros y confiables, escritos para ayudarte a sentirte informado, seguro y en control.

Por favor, introduce una dirección de correo electrónico válida

Al suscribirte aceptas nuestros Política de Privacidad. Puedes darte de baja en cualquier momento. Nunca vendemos tus datos.