Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with Addison's disease?

Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with Addison's disease?

• A. Postural hypotension
• B. Edema
• C. Syncope
• D. Weight loss

Answer: (B)

Addison's disease involves deficiency of aldosterone and cortisol. The loss of aldosterone causes impaired sodium and water reabsorption, leading to volume depletion. This commonly presents with low blood pressure, especially when standing (postural hypotension), and can cause fainting (syncope) due to reduced cerebral perfusion. Weight loss is also typical because of the catabolic state and poor appetite. Edema, on the other hand, reflects fluid retention, which does not fit the pattern of aldosterone deficiency and volume depletion. Therefore edema is not commonly associated with Addison's disease, while postural hypotension, syncope, and weight loss are.

Addison's disease involves deficiency of aldosterone and cortisol. The loss of aldosterone causes impaired sodium and water reabsorption, leading to volume depletion. This commonly presents with low blood pressure, especially when standing (postural hypotension), and can cause fainting (syncope) due to reduced cerebral perfusion. Weight loss is also typical because of the catabolic state and poor appetite. Edema, on the other hand, reflects fluid retention, which does not fit the pattern of aldosterone deficiency and volume depletion. Therefore edema is not commonly associated with Addison's disease, while postural hypotension, syncope, and weight loss are.