Since Addison’s disease is caused by the loss of cortisol and/or aldosterone, the treatment consists of replacing these hormones. Fortunately, replacement medications can be taken by mouth, unless the patient is losing fluids and/or undergoing surgery, in which case the medications must be given through injections. Since Addison’s disease is a chronic condition, daily replacement medication can never be stopped. Missing even one day of medication may precipitate a medical crises. In deed, the person with this disease should carry a small travel bag with a small amount of their medications wherever they go, just in case they forget to take their routine daily medications.
A regular visit to a physician to monitor the effectiveness of treatment is also mandatory. There is no one blood or urine test which can accurately detect the patient’s condition, so various tests will be performed during the physician’s visit. Medications will be adjusted according to the results of the lab tests.
When traveling, the patient should always carry a needle, syringe, and injectable form of cortisol. Additionally, the patient should know how to increase medications during periods of stress or mild upper respiratory infections.
Immediate medical attention is needed when severe infections, vomiting, or diarrhea occur, as these symptoms can precipitate an Addisonian crisis.
A medic alert bracelet or necklace should be worn in case of an emergency. The alert should notify emergency health care workers about the need to inject 100 mg of cortisol if its bearer is found severely injured or unresponsive.
Finally, as long as the proper dose of replacement medication is taken every day, a patient with Addison’s disease can have a normal life. There are no restrictions on lifestyle, either physically or occupationally. Today, people with Addison’s disease should have a normal life expectancy.
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