Cushing's disease---also known as Cushing's syndrome---and Addison's disease occur when your adrenal glands do not produce proper amounts of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is responsible for various things, including regulating your blood pressure and cardiovascular system function.
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Difference
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The difference between the two conditions is the amount of cortisol produced by your adrenal glands. Cushing's syndrome results in too much cortisol production, while Addison's disease results with too little.
Symptoms
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Common symptoms of Cushing's syndrome can include midsection weight gain, muscle weakness and a hump developing between your shoulders. Addison's disease symptoms can also include muscle weakness, but also weight loss and low blood pressure.
Causes
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Cushing's syndrome can result from over usage of injectable corticosteroids, primary adrenal gland disease or a pituitary gland tumor. Addison's disease is usually the result of an autoimmune disease, but can also be caused by tuberculosis or by a cancer or infection of the adrenal glands.
Diagnosis
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Both conditions are usually found through blood and imaging tests, such as CTs or MRIs.
Treatment
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Since these conditions involve the opposite extremes of cortisol production, treatment runs in a similar pattern. Cushing's syndrome requires a reduction of corticosteroid usage, while Addison's disease involves taking the hormone.
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