Question

It was often rumored that one of our deceased presidents was suffering from Addison's disease (inadequate synthesis of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids). What are the symptoms that may have led to the diagnosis of this condition? Respond to a classmate's post by explaining why their symptoms would correctly or incorrectly lead to a diagnosis of Addison's disease.

Answer 1

Addison's disease is characterized by inadequate secretion of cortisol by the adrenal cortex. Sometimes the hormone aldosterone is also not secreted. Symptoms of this disease include pigmentation of skin, weight loss, abdominal pain and generalized body weakness. Low blood pressure and hypoglycemia may also occur. all these signs and symptoms may be confused with other diseases suggest myopathies, celiac diseases and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) which all have similar clinical manifestations.