Photo: Anete Lusina

What triggers an adrenal crisis?

Risk factors for adrenal crisis include physical stress such as infection, dehydration, trauma, or surgery, adrenal gland or pituitary gland injury, and ending treatment with steroids such as prednisone or hydrocortisone too early.

uclahealth.org - Acute Adrenal Crisis - Endocrine Surgery - UCLA Health

Which is the best tablet for gastric?

Omeprazole tablets is used to treat the following conditions: In adults: 'Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease' (GORD). This is where acid from the...

Last updated Mar 20, 2020

Is it better to take fiber in the AM or PM?

Try the experts' advice: Spread out your high-fiber foods evenly throughout your day. When it comes to eating fiber, the best time is any time. The...

Last updated Oct 12, 2021

Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

Definition:

Acute adrenal crisis is a life-threatening state caused by insufficient levels of cortisol, which is a hormone produced and released by the adrenal gland.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The two adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys. They consist of the outer portion, called the cortex, and the inner portion, called the medulla. The cortex produces three types of hormones, all of which are called corticosteroids. Cortisol is a glucocortoid, a corticosteroid that maintains glucose (blood sugar) regulation, suppresses the immune response, and is released as part of the body's response to stress. Cortisol production is regulated by a small gland just below the brain called the pituitary gland. Cortisol is essential for life. Acute adrenal crisis is a medical emergency caused by a lack of cortisol. Patients may experience lightheadedness or dizziness, weakness, sweating, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, or even loss of consciousness. Adrenal crisis occurs if the adrenal gland is deteriorating (Addison's disease, primary adrenal insufficiency), if there is pituitary gland injury (secondary adrenal insufficiency), or if adrenal insufficiency is not adequately treated. Risk factors for adrenal crisis include physical stress such as infection, dehydration, trauma, or surgery, adrenal gland or pituitary gland injury, and ending treatment with steroids such as prednisone or hydrocortisone too early.

Symptoms:

Headache

Profound weakness

Fatigue

Slow, sluggish movement

Nausea

Vomiting

Low blood pressure

Dehydration

High fever

Shaking chills

Confusion or coma

Darkening of the skin

Rapid heart rate

Joint pain

Abdominal pain

Unintentional weight loss

Rapid respiratory rate (see tachypnea)

Unusual and excessive sweating on face and/or palms

Skin rash or lesions may be present

Flank pain

Loss of appetite

Signs and tests:

An ACTH (cortrosyn) stimulation test shows low cortisol.

The baseline cortisol level is low.

Fasting blood sugar may be low.

Serum potassium is elevated ( usually primary adrenal insufficiency).

Serum sodium is decreased (usually primary adrenal insufficiency).

Treatment:

In adrenal crisis, an intravenous or intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone (an injectable corticosteroid) must be given immediately. Supportive treatment of low blood pressure with intravenous fluids is usually necessary. Hospitalization is required for adequate treatment and monitoring. If infection is the cause of the crisis, antibiotic therapy may be needed.

Expectations (prognosis):

Death may occur due to overwhelming shock if early treatment is not provided.

Complications:

shock

coma

seizures

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have Addison's disease and are unable to retain usual medications because of vomiting.Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms of acute adrenal crisis develop.

Prevention:

People who have Addison's disease should be taught to recognize signs of potential stress that may cause an acute adrenal crisis. Most people with Addison's disease are taught to give themselves an emergency injection of hydrocortisone or increase their dose of oral prednisone in times of stress. Never omit medication. If unable to retain medication due to vomiting, notify the health care provider.

Does lemon water flush out sugar?

Lemon water may not directly impact your blood sugar levels and cause it to come down, but it can surely help prevent untimely spikes. The easy to...

Last updated Oct 30, 2019

Should poop sink or float?

Healthy Poop Should Sink in the Toilet Floating stools are often an indication of high fat content, which can be a sign of malabsorption, a...

Last updated Sep 22, 2020

Fizzy juice “eats through” 59lbs of stubborn fat

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

Is cinnamon good for high blood pressure?

Cinnamon May Help Lower Your Blood Pressure Cinnamon, in addition to being flavorful and associated with a number of health benefits, may also help...

Last updated Sep 6, 2021