Your body doesnt produce an adequate amount of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone Aldosterone and cortisol are

produced by your adrenal glands which sit on top of your kidneys

It helps maintain the balance of fluids and electrolytes in our body It retains sodium in our bodies and gets rid of potassium. Helps manage blood pressure

The stress hormone We cannot live without it! Regulates blood pressure, blood sugar, release of insulin, immune function, and inflammatory response

Remember we said aldosterone and cortisol are produced in the adrenal glands that sit on top of each kidney. Heres a picture to help

Primary adrenal insufficiency -Cortex of adrenal gland is damaged. It cannot produce its hormones in adequate amounts. Often a result because the body attacks itself and views the adrenal cortex as foreign

Other causes of adrenal gland failure may include: Tuberculosis Other infections of the adrenal glands Spread of cancer to the adrenal glands Bleeding into the adrenal glands

Secondary adrenal insufficiency Adrenal insufficiency can also occur if your pituitary gland is diseased. The pituitary gland makes a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce its hormones. Inadequate production of ACTH can lead to insufficient production of hormones normally produced by your adrenal glands, even though your adrenal glands aren't damaged Another common cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency is when people who take corticosteroids for treatment of chronic conditions abruptly stop taking the corticosteroids.

The patient will be able to list 5 preventative measures to prevent an Addisonian crisis by the end of this powerpoint on 4/3/2013 The patient will be able to list at least 5 s/s of Addisons Disease by the end of this powerpoint on 4/3/2013 The patient will be able to understand the importance of not abruptly stop taking their steroids by the end of this powerpoint on 4/3/2013

1. Hyperpigmentation 2. Delayed wound healing 3. Heart arrhythmias 4. Confusion 5. Tremors 6. High potassium in body 7. Low sodium in body 8. Low blood sugar 9. Muscle w

Once or twice-daily tablets of Hydrocortisone, a steroid hormone. Androgen replacement therapy (if needed)

If needed, aldosterone can be replaced with a fludrocortisone acetate (brand name Florinef), which is taken orally once a day.

DO NOT abruptly stop taking the medication regimen. This can result in death.

Wear a Medic Alert bracelet at all times Carry an emergency kit for administering 100 mg of parenteral hydrocortisone during times of extreme stress such as a school or work

Weigh yourself daily

Report any feelings of nausea, dizziness, vomiting, infections, and anxiety to health care provider immediately!

Exercise regularly

Increase intake of fluids

Eat a diet high in sodium and low in potassium