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Information and Resources
Addison's Disease
Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Addison's Disease is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.
Synonyms
- Chronic Adrenocortical Insufficiency
- Primary Adrenal Insufficiency
- Primary Failure Adrenocortical Insufficiency
Disorder Subdivisions
- None
General Discussion
Addison's disease is a rare disorder characterized by inadequate production of the steroid hormones cortisol and aldosterone by the outer layer of cells of the adrenal glands (adrenal cortex). The symptoms of classic Addison's disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, result from the insufficient production of these two hormones. Major symptoms include fatigue, gastrointestinal abnormalities, and changes in skin color (pigmentation). Behavior and mood changes may also occur in some individuals with Addison's disease. Increased excretion of water and low blood pressure (hypotension) can lead to extremely low concentrations of water in the body (dehydration). The symptoms of Addison's usually develop slowly, but sometimes can develop rapidly, a serious condition called acute adrenal failure. In most cases, Addison''s disease occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal glands causing slowly progressive damage to the adrenal cortex.
Resources
National Adrenal Diseases Foundation
505 Northern Bloulevard
Great Neck, NY 11021
USA
Tel: (516)487-4992
Fax: (516)829-5710
Email: nadfmail@aol.com
Internet: http://www.nadf.us/
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc.
15475 Gratiot Avenue
Detroit, MI 48205
Tel: (586)776-3900
Fax: (586)776-3903
Tel: (800)598-4668
Email: aarda@aarda.org
Internet: http://www.aarda.org/
NIH/National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Diseases
Office of Communications & Public Liaison
Bldg 31, Rm 9A06
31 Center Drive, MSC 2560
MSC 2560
Bethesda, MD 20892-2560
Tel: (301)496-3583
Email: NDDIC@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/
MedicAlert Foundation International
2323 Colorado Avenue
Turlock, CA 95382
USA
Tel: (209)669-2401
Fax: (209)669-2456
Tel: (888)633-4298
Email: Inquiries@medicalert.org
Internet: http://www.medicalert.org
Hormone Foundation
8401 Connecticut Avenue
Suite 900
Chevy Chase, MD 20815-5817
Fax: (310)941-0259
Tel: (800)467-6663
Email: hormone@endo-society.org
Internet: http://www.hormone.org/
MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay, WI 54301-1243
USA
Tel: (920)336-5333
Fax: (920)339-0995
Tel: (877)336-5333
Email: mums@netnet.net
Internet: http://www.netnet.net/mums/
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
Tel: (301)251-4925
Fax: (301)251-4911
Tel: (888)205-2311
TDD: (888)205-3223
Email: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/EmailForm.aspx
Internet: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Support Group
PO Box 66
Waihi
Hauraki, 3641
New Zealand
Tel: +64 3 3584 507
Fax: +64 3 3584 506
Tel: 0800 224 698
Email: CAHNZ@snap.net.nz
Internet: http://www.cah.org.nz/
Addison's Disease Self-Help Group (UK)
P.O. Box 1083
Guildford, Surrey, GU1 9HX
UK
Tel: 0844 588 2722
Email: info@addisons.org.uk
Internet: http://www.addisons.org.uk
Autoimmune Information Network, Inc
PO Box 4121
Brick, NJ 08723
Tel: (732)664-9259
Fax: (732)543-7285
Email: autoimmunehelp@aol.com
Internet: http://www.aininc.org
AutoImmunity Community
Tel: (919) 552-9057
Email: moderator@autoimmunitycommunity.org
Internet: http://www.autoimmunitycommunity.org
For a Complete Report:
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 4/14/2008
Copyright 1985, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2008 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders
Last Updated:
May 11, 2011
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.
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