Addison's disease is a rare disease of the adrenal glands. It causes symptoms of weakness and low blood pressure, which seriously affect patients' lives. Research has led to effective therapies which need to be taken for life.
Disease: Addison's Disease
Last update: June 2006
Intro
FAQ:
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What is it?
Addison's disease is a rare disease of the adrenal glands (which are situated on the kidneys) not producing enough steroid hormones for the body to work properly. So, it causes weakness and low blood pressure. -
Who gets it?
It is estimated that there are about 24,000 cases of Addison's disease in Europe, with five to six new cases per million per year. -
What can be done about it?
Patients need steroid replacement therapy for life. This means that most people with the disease can continue to lead a normal life. -
What does the future hold?
An ingenious sustained release tablet is being developed. It works to release more hormones in the morning and lower levels at night which matches the natural rhythm of the native steroid hormone.
Other research is revealing the changes in the immune system which may underlie the disease. This in turn may open up new insights into the understanding of Addison's disease and new immunotherapies.