K.N.O.W. Home Health - ADDISON'S DISEASE

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Addison's disease

What is Addison's disease?

Addison's disease happens when your adrenal glands which are on the top of your kidneys do not make enough hormones

These hormones help to control:

Your blood pressure, your blood sugar levels and assists in how your body handles stress

What causes Addison's disease?

Most common calls is when they immune system attacks the adrenal glands by mistake.

Other causes may include infections in the adrenal glands, cancer spreading to the adrenal glands, or bleeding into the adrenal glands.

Can Addison's disease be prevented?

You cannot always prevent getting Addison's disease. But you can prevent it from getting worse by doing the following:

Taking your medications every day as ordered

Never running out of steroid medicine

Wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace

Telling your doctors and dentist that you have Addison's disease

Knowing how and when to use your emergency steroid injection if you are ordered one

By not stopping steroids suddenly

Managing stress well speak to your doctor as to if you will need medicine during times of sickness, surgery or any big stress

When should I call my home health nurse?

Call your nurse if you have any of the following:

Feeling more tired or weaker than usual

Nausea or vomiting that does not go away

Loss of appetite

Darkening of urine

When should I go to the emergency room?

Go to the emergency room if you have any of the following:

Severe vomiting or diarrhea that does not stop

Severe stomach pain

Confusion feeling very sleepy or hard to wake up.

Feeling faint, passing out, or very low blood pressure

Severe weakness or trouble moving

These may be signs of Addisinian Crisis

You may required ivy steroids and fluids to keep your body safe.

Other important information:

Always carry extra medication when traveling.

Keep your emergency steroid injection kit with you if prescribed one

Each family and our friends how to give your emergency injection

Always tell healthcare providers you have Addison's disease

HOMEWORK/Assessment Test

1. True or False Addison's disease occurs when you're adrenal gland is not making enough hormones.

2. True or False Addison's disease is caused by eating too much sugar.

3. True or False the adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys.

4. True or False Addison's disease can always be prevented

5. True or False The immune system can attack the adrenal glands by mistake and cause Addison's disease.

6. True or False Infections can sometimes cause Addison's disease.

7. True or False Addison's disease can only affect older people.

8. True or False You should take your medicine every day to prevent Addison's disease from getting worse.

9. True or False Wearing a medical alert bracelet is an important thing to do if you have Addison's disease.

10. True or False. You should stop your steroid medicine suddenly if you feel better.

11. True or False. You should tell your doctors and dentist if you have Addison's disease.

12. True or False. During sickness or big stress, you may need to more steroid medication.

13. True or False. You should not carry extra medication when you travel.

14. True or False. You should call your home health nurse if you feel more tired or weak than usual.

15. True or False. Feeling dizzy when standing up can be assign your Addison's disease needs attention.

16. True or False. If you have severe vomiting that will not stop you should just wait until it goes away.

17. True or False. Severe vomiting or diarrhea can be a sign of Addisonian crisis.

18. True or False. Addisonian crisis is a life-threatening emergency

19. True or False. You should go to the emergency room if you feel very sleepy or confused.

20. True or False. Addison's disease goes away on its own without treatment.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Why is it important for you to take your steroid medication every day, even if you feel well?”

“What symptoms should you watch for that might mean you are having an adrenal crisis?”

“What should you do if you are sick, under a lot of stress, or cannot keep your medication down?”

“Why is it important to carry a medical alert bracelet or ID and an emergency hydrocortisone injection?”