Addisons Aware

This website is initiated and funded by Atnahs Pharma UK Ltd, a member of the Pharmanovia Group

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About Addison’s disease

You may never have heard of Addison’s disease before. That’s because it’s a rare disease which affects about 9,000 people in the UK. It can affect all age groups, and both sexes, but is more common in women.

Why Addison’s disease occurs

Your adrenal glands (which sit on top of your kidneys) produce certain hormones that help to keep your body working correctly. Addison’s disease occurs when your adrenal glands don’t work as they should. The condition is also known as Primary Adrenal Insufficiency or PAI.

Treatment and living with the condition

Addison’s disease is a life-long condition. Although it can be difficult to diagnose, it can be managed by your healthcare professional.  

With the right management, it is possible for most people living with Addison’s disease to have a normal life span.

Talk to your GP.
Download our guide with helpful tips on how to talk to your GP if you suspect you may have Addison’s disease

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To help in identification, the figure below summarises the different signs and symptoms to look for in adrenal insufficiency and those signs and symptoms that occur when a patient is actually experiencing an adrenal crisis.11

The distinction is important as, at least at the outset, signs and symptoms can be similar for both conditions.

Patients may present with some, but not all of the symptoms in the image below.

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