Student Project

Understanding Addison's Disease

Raising awareness and empowering patients, families, and classmates with clear, credible information about primary adrenal insufficiency.

Endocrine Health Stress Dosing Crisis Protocol
Explore Crisis Steps

About Addison's Disease

Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) happens when the adrenal glands do not make enough cortisol and often aldosterone. These hormones support blood pressure, electrolyte balance, immune function, and the body’s response to stress.

Note: This page is educational, not medical advice. Always follow guidance from your healthcare team.
Hormones

Low cortisol can cause fatigue, low blood pressure, nausea, and low blood sugar. Low aldosterone can cause low sodium and dizziness.

Who it affects

Addison’s is rare and can affect anyone. With treatment, most people live active, full lives.

Essentials
  • Lifelong hormone replacement (per prescription).
  • Stress dosing during illness, injury, or surgery.
  • Carry emergency hydrocortisone and a medical ID.

Common Symptoms

Fatigue & muscle weakness
Low blood pressure & dizziness
Salt cravings & dehydration
Skin darkening (hyperpigmentation)
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Low blood sugar (especially in kids)

Causes

The most common cause is autoimmune adrenalitis, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal cortex. Less commonly, infections, genetic conditions, surgery, or hemorrhage can damage adrenal tissue.

Treatment & Management

Daily Medicines

  • Glucocorticoid (e.g., hydrocortisone) per prescription schedule.
  • Mineralocorticoid (e.g., fludrocortisone) if needed for sodium/potassium balance.

Everyday Tips

  • Keep a sick-day plan from your clinician and follow it closely.
  • Hydrate and maintain electrolyte balance; monitor symptoms.
  • Wear a medical ID; inform teachers, coaches, and friends.

Living With Addison's

With appropriate treatment and an emergency plan, people with Addison’s can pursue sports, travel, academics, and careers. Education and preparation help prevent adrenal crises and reduce anxiety for students and families.

ProtocolAdrenal Crisis — time critical

Emergency: Adrenal Crisis

Recognize symptoms

  • Severe weakness, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, or confusion
  • Very low blood pressure, fainting, or collapse

Immediate actions (per care plan)

  1. Give emergency hydrocortisone injection (per dosage instructions).
  2. Call 911 and state “adrenal crisis.”
  3. Lay person on side; keep warm; monitor breathing.

Always follow your clinician’s instructions. This is a student educational page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not currently. It is manageable long-term with prescribed medicines, stress-dosing plans, and emergency preparation.

It’s considered rare. With the right treatment, people with Addison’s typically live active lives.

Temporarily increasing glucocorticoid dose during illness, fever, injury, or other stressors, following a clinician-approved plan.

Helpful Resources

Links are provided for education only; always consult your healthcare provider.

Contact

Questions or feedback? I welcome comments from teachers, counselors, and students.

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Project Purpose

This educational website was designed to make complex medical information easier to understand and to inspire compassion through awareness.

  • Goal: promote empathy and health education
  • Method: simplify medical research for peers
  • Vision: empower young people to learn and help others