Addison’s disease (also
Addison disease,
chronic adrenal insufficiency,
hypocortisolism, and
hypoadrenalism) is a rare, chronic
endocrine system disorder in which the
adrenal glands do not produce sufficient
steroid hormones (glucocorticoids and
mineralocorticoids). It is characterised by a number of relatively
nonspecific symptoms, such as abdominal pain and weakness, but under certain circumstances, these may progress to
Addisonian crisis, a severe illness which may include
very low blood pressure and
coma. An adrenal crisis often occurs if the body is subjected to stress, such as an accident, injury, surgery, severe infection or illness; death may quickly follow.