Treatment for Addison's disease

The principle of treatment consists mainly in the replacement administration of the missing adrenal hormones. In chronic disease, daily doses of hydrocortisone are administered for life.

The frequency of administration is twice daily and the dose volume is governed by the patient's current clinical picture. The dose of hydrocortisone is approximately 30 mg per day. In case of excessive physical or mental stress, the dose may be increased. In this case, it can also be in the range of 300 - 400 mg per day.

However, it must never be reduced, as it may trigger the Addison crisis. If it occurs, it is necessary to start intensive treatment as soon as possible. Hydrocortisone is given and the dose is relatively high within 24 hours. And that is 100 mg every 6 hours.

If the condition improves, often on the second day, a half dose is given, also every 6 hours. Fludrocortisone is added to the treatment and the dose of hydrocortisone is approximately 50 mg per day. In addition, as part of the overall supportive treatment of hypocorticism, care must be taken to correct, for example, dehydration, ie increased fluid and sodium chloride intake.

It is important to keep in mind that in the event of any deterioration in health, it is necessary to contact a doctor. Especially in conditions such as body temperature above 39 ° C, vomiting or diarrhea. If left untreated, the disease threatens human life. With consistent and well-maintained treatment, the disease does not limit life expectancy compared to a healthy population.

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Bc. Lukáš Tóth

Healthcare worker

The secondary medical school in Nitra gave me the basis for my career in the field of health and diseases. Thanks to it, I worked for 2 years in the traumatology clinic and outpatient clinic at the Nitra Hospital. Since 2006 I was employed in the emergency medical service, where I stayed until 2017. I completed my bachelor's degree at the University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra in the field of emergency health care. The bachelor's degree allowed me to continue my mission as a paramedic. In the meantime, I got a job at the emergency line 155. I have been working in pre-hospital health care until today. I had an interest in people, health and even diseases in my childhood, which gave me the prerequisite to pursue this topic in adulthood. Studying and acquiring new information in practice provided me with a great basis for writing professional texts, in the form of articles that can be understood by ordinary people. Thus, my interest in the Health Portal has a solid foundation in years of practice and personal interest. Similarly, I am also interested in healthy eating, nutrition and overall healthy lifestyle. I fill my free time with family and sports.

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