Addison's disease-- Symptoms and effects

Both branches of Addison's disease lead to variety of negative effects on the body, and these effects can also be seen as symptoms of the disease. The following are the symptoms of Addison's disease that the patients go through and can be used to diagnose the disease in a person:

1. Chronic(serious) fatigue and weakness in the muscles
2. Loss of appetite, frequent digestive problems, unexplained weight loss without diet/exercise
3. Low blood pressure/ High blood pressure
4. Frequent dizziness and fainting
5. Skin becomes blotchy, freckled and darkened especially on parts of the body frequently exposed to sunlight(Hyperpigmentation)
6. Darkening of the gums
7. Possible hair loss
8. Serious hypoglycemia(low blood sugar level)
9. Nausea(urge to vomit), vomiting and diarrhea
10. Inability to cope with stress
11. Moodiness, easily irritated, depression, racing thoughts and scattered thinking
12. Low tolerance to cold or heat
13. Salt cravings(Cravings for salty food)
14. Sleep abnormalities 
15. Anxiety
16. Heart palpitations 

Hyperpigmentation

medindia (n.d) Skin Pigmentation Disorders, "Hyperpigmentation", retrieved 21st July 2014 from <http://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/skindisease-skin-pigmentation-disorders.htm>

Darkening of the gums

Et.al(n.d) Addison's Disease retrieved 21st July 2014 from <http://www.studyblue.com/notes/note/n/pigmented-and-discolored-soft-tissue-lesions/deck/1827448>

However, these symptoms may not show up immediately on a patient as Addison's disease progresses at a very slow rate, but they may appear after the person's body enters a threatening situation such as another illness, surgery or being seriously injured. This may trigger something known as an Addisonian crisis, which can lead to fatality if not treated fast. 1 in 4 patients discover their affliction with Addison's disease through this. The following are symptoms of an Addisonian crisis:

• Sudden penetrating pains in the lower back, abdomen or the legs
• Severe vomiting, diarrhea leading to dehydration
• Low blood pressure
• Loss of consciousness
• Eventual kidney shutdown

Et.al(n.d) Addison's Disease retrieved 16th July 2014 from <http://www.studyblue.com/notes/note/n/chapter-65/deck/2478097>

Behling J(18 March 2013),Exhaustion & Burn-Out: Natural Solutions for Adrenal Fatigue retrieved 16 July 2014 from <http://essentialsurvival.org/natural-solutions-adrenal-fatigue/>

David. T Derrer, MD (29 March 2014) Understanding Addison's Disease -- symptoms, retrieved 16th July 2014 from <http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-addisons-disease-basics>

K Lynette( 30 January 2013), Patient Information: Adrenal Insufficiency(Addison's disease)(Beyond the Basics), retrieved 16th July from <http://www.uptodate.com/contents/adrenal-insufficiency-addisons-disease-beyond-the-basics>

medindia (n.d), Skin Disease/Dermatology, "Skin Pigmentation Disorders", retrieved 21st July 2014 from <http://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/skindisease-skin-pigmentation-disorders.htm>