Addison's disease facts for kids
Addison's disease is a rare and long-lasting health problem. It happens when your body doesn't make enough of a special hormone called cortisol. This hormone is made by small glands on top of your kidneys, called the adrenal glands. Addison's disease was first found by a doctor named Thomas Addison. A famous person who had this condition was U.S. President John F. Kennedy. His illness was kept private while he was president.
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What is Addison's Disease?
Addison's disease is an endocrine disorder. This means it affects your body's hormone system. Hormones are like chemical messengers. They control many important body functions. In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol. They might also not make enough of another hormone called aldosterone.
What Does Cortisol Do?
Cortisol is a very important hormone. It helps your body in many ways:
- It helps you deal with stress.
- It keeps your blood pressure at a healthy level.
- It helps your heart work properly.
- It slows down inflammation, which is how your body reacts to injury or infection.
- It helps control how your body uses insulin.
- It helps turn proteins, carbohydrates, and fats from food into energy.
How Do You Know If You Have It?
People with Addison's disease often feel very tired and weak. They might lose weight without trying. Their blood pressure can be very low. Some people also notice their skin getting darker in certain areas. These dark patches often appear on scars, elbows, knees, and inside the mouth.
Who Can Get Addison's Disease?
Addison's disease is quite rare. It can affect anyone, at any age. It happens when your body's immune system mistakenly attacks the adrenal glands. This stops them from making enough hormones. Sometimes, other health problems or infections can also cause it.
How Is It Treated?
Addison's disease is treated by taking medicine every day. This medicine is usually a tablet that contains artificial cortisol. It replaces the hormone your body isn't making enough of. People with Addison's disease need to take this medicine for the rest of their lives. With proper treatment, most people can live full and active lives. It's important to take the medicine exactly as prescribed.
Images for kids
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Hyperpigmentation as seen in a woman with Addison's disease
See also
In Spanish: Enfermedad de Addison para niños
