High blood levels of potassium, which affect the water and sodium levels in the body.

Severe complications are most likely to occur when the child is under physical stress. If left untreated, Addison disease may lead to: What are possible complications of Addison disease in a child? Treatment may also include a medicine that helps manage the body's levels of sodium and potassium.

In most cases, corticosteroid medicine must be taken for life. Because of this, treatment often starts right away with corticosteroid medicine. How is Addison disease treated in a child?The goal of treatment is to replace the hormones and to relieve the symptoms. These are done to check corticosteroid and potassium levels. He or she will give your child a physical exam. He or she may also ask about your family’s health history. How is Addison disease diagnosed in a child?The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis. The symptoms of Addison disease can be like other health conditions. Bluish-black color around the nipples, mouth, rectum, scrotum, or vagina.Dark skin, first seen on hands and face.Mild symptoms may only occur when a child is under physical stress. What are the symptoms of Addison disease in a child? History of using corticosteroid medicine.Which children are at risk for Addison disease?Ī child is at risk for Addison disease if he or she has any of these: These medicines may stop corticosteroids being made in the adrenal glands. Use of some medicines to treat fungal infection.The medicines lower the amount of natural corticosteroids made by the adrenal glands. Other causes of low corticosteroids can include: In rare cases, Addison disease is passed down in a family. Other cases of Addison disease are caused by the damage to the glands by any of these: The most common cause of Addison disease is damage to the adrenal glands caused by an autoimmune disease. Addison disease is fairly rare and may first appear at any age.

There is one gland on top of each kidney. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys. Aldosterone manages sodium and potassium levels. Cortisol controls the body's metabolism, blocks inflammatory reactions, and affects the immune system. The hormones are cortisol and aldosterone. Addison Disease in Children What is Addison disease in a child?Addison disease is when the adrenal glands don't make enough of two steroid hormones.

Signs of adrenal gland problems