The NHS is warning that at this time of year, it could be easy to mistake having the flu for a rare disorder. Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency or hypoadrenalism, is a rare disorder of the adrenal glands.
The adrenal glands are 2 small glands that sit on top of the kidneys and they produce 2 essential hormones: cortisol and aldosterone. This disease develops when the outer layer of your adrenal glands (adrenal cortex) is damaged, reducing the levels of hormones it produces.
Addison’s disease and the flu
With this disease, the health service is warning people that its symptoms may look like something else. They warn: “Early-stage symptoms of Addison’s disease are similar to other more common health conditions, such as clinical depression or flu.”
What are the signs and symptoms of Addison’s disease?
You may experience:
- overwhelming exhaustion and lack of energy
- loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss
- dizziness on standing
- low blood pressure (hypotension)
- patches of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin (hyperpigmentation)
- craving salty foods
- feeling and being sick
- muscle weakness with cramps
- abdominal pain
- abnormal drowsiness or tiredness (lethargy)
- low mood (mild clinical depression) or irritability
- a frequent need to pee
- increased thirst
- difficulty concentrating
- headaches
- a higher temperature than normal
- irregular periods or miss periods completely
- loss of pubic hair and the hair under your armpits
- low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) – this can cause symptoms like difficulty concentrating, confusion, anxiety and even unconsciousness (particularly in children).
Why do people get Addison’s disease?
The NHS explains: “Addison’s disease is usually the result of a problem with the immune system, which causes it to attack the outer layer of the adrenal gland (the adrenal cortex), disrupting the production of the steroid hormones aldosterone and cortisol.
“It’s not clear why this happens, but it’s responsible for 70% to 90% of cases in the UK. Other potential causes include conditions that can damage the adrenal glands, such as tuberculosis (TB), although this is uncommon in the UK.”
How is Addison’s disease treated?
The experts explain that you will need medication to make up for the missing hormones and you will need to take it for the rest of your life. With treatment, symptoms of Addison’s disease can largely be controlled and in good news, many people have a normal lifespan and are able to live an active life with few limitations.
Of course, there are also people who struggle with many finding it hard to deal with the bouts of severe fatigue – which is different to just feeling tired. There may also be associated health conditions, such as diabetes or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
How is Addison’s disease diagnosed?
A GP will ask about your symptoms and review your medical history, it’s good to know if anyone in your family has an autoimmune disorder (a condition caused by a problem with their immune system).
The GP will examine your skin for any evidence of brownish discolouration (hyperpigmentation), particularly in certain areas, such as:
- the creases on your palm
- your elbow crease
- on any scars
- your lips and gums
The NHS stresses that hyperpigmentation does not occur in all cases of Addison’s disease however it could be a sign, combined with other symptoms. About 9,000 people in the UK have Addison’s disease, with over 300 new cases diagnosed each year.
It can affect people of any age, although it’s most common between the ages of 30 and 50. It’s also more common in women than men. You can find out more about how to get diagnosed here.