Addison's disease is a condition where the adrenal glands (located above the kidneys) don't produce proper hormone levels. With this condition, the adrenal glands usually produce too little cortisol (the “stress hormone” that helps balance hormones) and sometimes too little aldosterone (hormone that regulates salt and water).
What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Addisons Disease?
Testing for Addison's disease may require a blood test that measures cortisol and adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) levels.
Depending on the results, the next step is often ACTH stimulation, in which your child will be given a man-made form of ACTH with blood levels taken both before and after administration.