What is Addison's disease? Explaining the disease TikTok influencer Taylor Rousseau Grigg had

A social media influencer who died in early October has left some people seeking more information about the disease she had.

Taylor Rousseau Grigg died on Oct. 4 from complications from asthma and Addison’s disease, TODAY reported , and her death was described as “sudden and unexpected” by her h usband, Cameron Grigg, in an Instagram post. Rousseau Grigg, 25, had 1.5 million followers on TikTok and posted lifestyle content on the platform.

What is Addison’s disease?

Addison’s disease “occurs when the body doesn’t make enough of certain hormones” and can be life-threatening, according to the Mayo Clinic . The condition, also called adrenal insufficiency, is caused by damage to the adrenal glands that make hormones “that affect almost every organ and tissue in the body," according to the Mayo Clinic. Treatment involves taking medication to replace the hormones, according to Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group . One famous person diagnosed with the disease was President John F. Kennedy, according to multiple sources such as PBS , History Channel and the New York Times .

Symptoms of Addison’s disease

Symptoms vary for people and occur gradually as the damage to the adrenal glands happens slowly over time, according to the Cleveland Clinic . Symptoms include:

• Steadily worsening fatigue
• Patches of dark skin, especially around scars, skin creases and on your gums
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss
• Muscle pain, spasms or joint pain
• Dehydration
• Low blood pressure
• Changes in mood and behavior
• Craving for salty food
• Low blood sugar

What causes Addison’s disease?

Addison’s disease is most commonly caused by an autoimmune response, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Tuberculosis is a prominent cause of the disease in developing countries, and less common causes can include when cancer cells enter your adrenal glands or bleeding into your adrenal glands, among other causes, said the Cleveland Clinic.

Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: What is Addison's disease? Explaining the disease TikTok influencer Taylor Rousseau Grigg had