Addison's disease

Addison's disease (also known as chronic adrenal insufficiency, or hypocortisolism) is a rare endocrine disorder, first described by British physician Thomas Addison. It is estimated that it affects about 1 to 2 in 100,000 people. It occurs when the adrenal glands, seated above the kidneys, fail to produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, sometimes, the hormone aldosterone. Addison's disease refers specifically to primary adrenal insufficiency, in which the adrenal glands themselves malfunction; secondary adrenal insufficiency occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to adequately stimulate the adrenal glands. A famous sufferer of Addison's Disease was President John F. Kennedy. Jane Austen is thought to have been another.

Related Topics:
Endocrine - British - Physician - Thomas Addison - Adrenal gland - Kidney - Hormone - Cortisol - Aldosterone - Pituitary gland - Adrenocorticotropic hormone - John F. Kennedy - Jane Austen

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The condition is very common in dogs, particularly the Bearded Collie and Chihuahua. In dogs it is inherited via the female line - possibly due to autoimmune antibodies in the milk. In humans it is never hereditary.

Related Topics:
Bearded Collie - Chihuahua

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