Addison's disease is a rare disorder of the endocrine system that carries its name after Thomas Addison, the physician who first observed the condition in 1855. Addison's disease can lead to heart problems, breathing difficulties, electrolyte imbalances and if left untreated, death. Addison's disease is characterized by the inability of your adrenal cortex, which is the outer layer of your adrenal gland, to produce the hormones that it normally secretes. If you or a loved one suffers from this life threatening disorder, this book has the answers you need.