Addison’s Disease is a rare adrenal gland disorder in which your body does not produce enough of essential hormones, cortisol and aldosterone, and the adrenal glands themselves stop working (primary adrenal insufficiency) (What is Addison’s Disease, n.d.). Cortisol helps the body respond to stress and maintain blood pressure, heart function, the immune system, and blood glucose (sugar) levels, while aldosterone affects the balance of sodium and potassium in the blood (Cleveland Clinic, 2019). Addison’s disease is caused by an autoimmune response, which occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own organs and tissues. With Addison’s disease, the immune system attacks the outer portion of the adrenal glands, where cortisol and aldosterone are made. According to Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group, individuals living with Addison’s Disease will need to take daily steroid medication to keep their bodies functioning well for the rest of their lives. This medication replaces the hormones that the adrenal glands can no longer produce.
Depending on the child’s stage of development, here are some key words you can use when explaining Addison’s Disease to children:
• Adrenal glands – An important part of your body that helps you respond in times of trouble, like when you’re sick or under stress. Adrenaline, one of the adrenal gland hormones, gives you a boost of energy when you need it most!
• Hormones – special chemicals in your body that help you grow
• Immune system – the parts of your body that protect you from germs that can make you sick
According to Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group, the common signs and symptoms of Addison’s disease include:
• Overwhelming exhaustion
• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Weakness
• Low blood pressure
• Deepening skin pigmentation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle weakness with cramps
• Difficulty concentrating
• Craving for salty food
Addison’s Disease Facts from the Cleveland Clinic
• Nearly 1 in 100,000 people live with Addison’s Disease in the United States.
• Addison’s Disease is most common in the 30-50 year-old age range.
• Addison’s disease occurs in both men and women equally.
Resources
- Websites
• https://www.addisonsdisease.org.uk/
• https://addisons.org.au/ - Books
• Living With Addison’s Disease: A Guide For People With Addison’s, Supporters, and Professionals by Simon Pearce and Sarah Spain
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References
Addison’s disease: Causes, SYMPTOMS, diagnosis & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (2019). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15095-addisons-disease.
What is Addison’s Disease? Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group. (n.d.). https://www.addisonsdisease.org.uk/what-is-addisons-disease.