 |
EncyclopediaAddison's diseaseAddison's disease [for Thomas Addison], progressive disease brought about by atrophy of the outer layer, or cortex, of the adrenal gland; it is also called chronic adrenocortical insufficiency. The deterioration of this tissue causes a decrease in the secretion of steroid hormones, many of which are necessary for the maintenance of life. In many cases the cause of the wasting process is not known; in others the predominant cause is the formation and infiltration of tumors, inflammatory disease, or surgery. Symptoms are increasing weakness, abnormal pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes, weight loss, low blood pressure, dehydration, and gastrointestinal upsets. Secondary Addison's disease is most commonly caused by acute withdrawal of steroids. Once considered inevitably fatal, Addison's disease can now be treated with injections of adrenocortical hormones. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. More on Addison's disease from Infoplease:
- Thomas Addison - Addison, Thomas Addison, Thomas, 1793–1860, English physician, b. near Newcastle, grad. Univ. ...
- hydrocortisone - hydrocortisone hydrocortisone , another name for the steroid hormone cortisol, more especially used ...
- Derek H. R. Barton - Barton, Derek H. R. Barton, Derek H. R., 1918–98, British chemist, b. Gravesend, England, ...
- steroids - steroids steroids, class of lipids having a particular molecular ring structure called the ...
- adrenal gland - adrenal gland adrenal gland or suprarenal gland, endocrine gland (see endocrine system) about 2 in. ...
See more Encyclopedia articles on: Pathology
|
|
