ADDISON'S DISEASE. Diseases of the Suprarenal (above Kidneys) Bodies
Categories:
Diseases of The Blood And Ductless Galnds
A
constitutional disease characterized by great weakness, stomach and bowel
symptoms, heart weakness, and dark coloring of the skin.
Causes. It usually occurs in men from twenty to forty years old. The skin
and mucous membrane and sometimes the serous, like the pleura, etc.,
membranes are pigmented (darkened).
Symptoms. There is a gradual onset of weakness, changeable symptoms in
the s
omach and bowels and darkening of the skin. There is great feeling
of fatigue and feeble irregular action of the heart; nausea and vomiting
and often absence of appetite and some diarrhea. The abdomen may be
painful and drawn back in the course of the disease. The pigmentation
(coloring of the skin) varies from the light yellow to dark brown, olive
or black. It usually begins on the skin or regions naturally pigmented; or
where pressure is exerted by the clothing. The mucous membranes are also
pigmented. Death may occur from fainting, extreme weakness, convulsions or
delirium or through tuberculosis. Usually death occurs within one year,
though this may occur in a few weeks to two years, sometimes after
intervals of improvement.
[256 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
Treatment. This must be to meet the indications as they arise. It is a
serious disease and should be under the supervision of a competent
physician.