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Addison Disease in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 3, 2024.

What do I need to know about Addison disease?

Addison disease is a condition that causes low levels of aldosterone and cortisol. These hormones are made by your child's adrenal glands. Cortisol helps your child's body handle stress. Aldosterone helps your child's body balance salt, potassium, fluid. Addison disease may appear soon after your child is born, or when he or she reaches adolescence.

What causes Addison disease?

A family member with Addison disease may increase your child's risk for this condition. Addison disease is often caused by damage to the adrenal glands. It may also be caused by a problem in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland makes hormones that control how the adrenal glands work. The following can increase your child's risk for Addison disease:

What are the signs and symptoms of Addison disease?

Signs and symptoms may be present at birth or show up slowly over months or years. Your child may have any of the following:

How is Addison disease diagnosed?

Your child's healthcare provider will examine your child and ask about his or her symptoms. Tell the provider if your child has any other health conditions or a family history of Addison disease. Your child may need any of the following:

How is Addison disease treated?

Causes of Addison disease will be treated. Your child may also need any of the following:

What do I need to know about an adrenal crisis?

An adrenal crisis happens when your child's cortisol and aldosterone levels suddenly drop. This may lead to low blood pressure, dehydration, and low blood sugar. An adrenal crisis is life-threatening and needs immediate treatment in a hospital. Your child will be given steroids and glucose (sugar). He or she may be given sodium (salt) and medicine to increase his or her blood pressure. Your child may also need IV fluids to treat dehydration. An adrenal crisis can happen if your child suddenly stops taking his or her medicine. It can also happen when your child's body is under more stress than usual. This may happen during surgery, an illness, or trauma.

What can I do to care for my child?

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

When should I seek immediate care?

Your child has any of the following early signs or symptoms of an adrenal crisis:

When should I call my child's doctor or endocrinologist?

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.