THE WORLD OF ADDISON’S

DISEASE

Conner Zeuli and Savannah Cash

Honors Anatomy and Physiology

THE REALITY OF ADDISON’S

Addison’s affects the body’s ability to produce sufficient amounts of hormones that are often vital for everyday activities.

People with Addison’s suffer through everyday tasks due to this disease that causes adrenal insufficiency.

Treatments are available, but Addison’s still makes life difficult for those with stressful lives, and more ambitious desires.

DEALING WITH ADDISON’S

Addison’s attacks the Adenal gland and disrupts the production of the hormones Cortisol and Aldosterone.

Since the body is suppressing itself a person with Addison’s can’t behave normally.

The suppressing these hormones disrupts the body’s natural defenses, internal clock, and even immune system.

Over time Addison’s deteriorates the Adrenal gland until it is destroyed.

WHAT ADDISON’S LOOKS LIKE

The top pair of Adrenal glands show what Addison’s long term damage look like. The middle pair are normal.

SYMPTOMS OF ADDISON’S

The lack of Cortisol in the body affects a person’s ability to deal with stress, maintain blood pressure, and have normal cardiovascular function, as well as having a healthy immune system.

Cortisol also affects a person’s metabolism and levels of glucose which is why people with Addison’s struggle with gaining weight.

SYPTOMS CONT.

Another hormone that Addison’s suppresses is Aldosterone which is important in blood flow, blood pressure, and helps the Kidneys deal with the balance of salt and water.

If the Kidneys aren’t able to regulate the balance, then blood pressure will fall.

LIFE BEYOND ADDISON’S

There are two types of Addison’s: Type one is common in children and inherited from their parents, type two is common is young adults and is known as Schmidt’s Syndrome.Addison’s affects one in every 100,000 people, but with that there are treatments available. People with Addison’s have a chance for a normal life through hormone replacing drugs, and in high stress situations people can inject themselves with hydrocortisone.

WORKS CITED

www.endocrine.nih.gov

www.nim.nih.gov

www.medicinenet.com

www.mayoclinic.com

www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov

www.nih.gov

PICTURES CITED

http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cortisol/tab/test Cortisol

www.medscape.com Aldersterone http://group26digestive.wikispaces.com/

Adrenal damage http://m.healthtap.com/#

topics/where-is-the-adrenal-glands JFK http://

www.herbsa2z.com/tantrum_tamer_calm_child_tantrums.html Child in Addison’s