What Is Addison's Disease?

Addison's disease is a very rare disorder in which the body becomes incapable of reacting to physical stresses because the adrenal glands, the glands which control the metabolism of salts and sexual organs, cease to work.

Symptoms often come on gradually and may be difficult to recognize, but if early symptoms are neglected the first apparent symptom may be sudden collapse.

Symptoms:

• Increasing weakness and tiredness leading to complete exhaustion.

• Loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal pains.

• Faintness on standing, caused by low blood pressure.

• Darkening of the skin, accentuated by sunlight.

• Dark patches inside the mouth.

• Collapse after minor physical stresses such as slight infections or injuries.