Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride and Carbon dioxide) are measured to help detect and evaluate the severity of an existing electrolyte imbalance and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. Electrolytes may be affected by many conditions; with addison’s disease treatment the sodium, chloride, and carbon dioxide levels are often low, while the potassium level may be very high.
Patients may have a history of using medications known to affect adrenocortical function or to increase cortisol metabolism.
Other reported symptoms include muscle and joint pains; a heightened sense of smell, taste, and hearing; and salt craving.
When the adrenals receive the pituitary’s signal in the form of ACTH, they respond by producing cortisol. Completing the cycle, cortisol then signals the pituitary to lower secretion of ACTH.