Symptoms
The symptoms of Addison's disease develop insidiously, and it may take some time to be recognized.
The most common symptoms are fatigue, lightheadedness upon standing or while upright, muscle weakness, fever, weight loss, difficulty in standing up, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, sweating, changes in mood and personality, joint and muscle pains.
Some have marked cravings for salt or salty foods due to the urinary losses of sodium.
Clinical signs
On examination, the following may be noticed:
- Sudden penetrating pain in the legs, lower back or abdomen
- Severe vomiting and diarrhea, resulting in dehydration
- Low blood pressure
- Syncope (loss of consciousness and ability to stand)
- Hypoglycemia
- Confusion, psychosis, slurred speech
- Severe lethargy
- Hyperkalemia
- Hypercalcemia
- Convulsions
- Fever
Further Reading
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"Addison's disease"
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