The Basics Of Addison's Disease

Reaching A Diagnosis

Considering the symptoms of Addison’s are vague, non-specific, and can indicate numerous other conditions, Addison’s disease can be difficult to diagnose. The simplest ways to diagnose it is through blood tests, urine tests, and medical imaging. Often, it is first detected through routine blood tests to check for sodium, potassium, and white blood cell levels. A doctor will also check for hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin and gums, which often indicate a patient is suffering from the disease. The most definitive way to diagnose the condition is to measure hormone levels in the blood before and after giving a patient adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), as it is a hormone in the brain that increases the amount of cortisol being produced by the adrenal glands. By measuring ACTH levels, it can help doctors distinguish whether the illness is caused by an issue in the adrenal gland or the brain.

Continue reading to learn how the disease is treated and managed throughout an individual’s lifetime.