Health A–Z · A
Addison's disease
Addison's disease: Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency) is a rare condition where small glands above your kidneys (adrenal glands) do not work properly. This clinic guide summarises recognised symptoms, assessment and care considerations.
Symptoms
- Pain or aching
- Tiredness
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Unplanned weight loss
- Mood or anxiety changes
Warning signs
Seek urgent in-person care for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, sudden weakness, uncontrolled bleeding or rapid deterioration.
For immediate danger, call Rescue 1122 or seek emergency care.
Possible causes
Recognised contributors may include immune-system activity.
Risk factors
Factors discussed during assessment may include immune-system activity.
Diagnosis
A clinician assesses Addison's disease by reviewing the symptom pattern, timing, health history and examination findings. Similar conditions may need to be excluded before a diagnosis is confirmed.
Common tests / investigations
Tests for Addison's disease are selected after clinical assessment and may include targeted laboratory tests, imaging, monitoring or specialist review when appropriate.
General treatment overview
Care may involve a procedure or surgery, prescribed medicine. The plan depends on severity, cause, other conditions and current medicines.
Lifestyle guidance
Keep a symptom record, bring current medicines and reports to the consultation, and follow condition-specific activity, nutrition and self-care advice from the clinical team.
Prevention
Not every case of Addison's disease can be prevented. Early assessment and control of modifiable risk factors may reduce complications where relevant.
Related conditions
Related conditions are considered from the symptom pattern, medical history and clinical examination.
Medical references
Original general information informed by recognised medical sources. It does not replace individual physician assessment.