Adrenal Crisis

Adrenal crisis is a life-threatening complication that results from adrenal insufficiency, and it can be treated if managed immediately.

Adrenal crisis

Adrenal crisis is a condition that occurs when the adrenal glands don’t make the sufficient amount of the hormone cortisol. Adrenal crisis can affect anyone at any age, but it’s more common between the ages of 30 and 50.

Cortisol plays many roles in the body, such as:

• It regulates the body’s stress response.
• It puts down inflammation.
• It controls metabolism.
• It regulates the blood sugar and pressure.
• It helps control the sleep-wake cycle.

Causes of adrenal crisis

The adrenal crisis is triggered by:

• Damage to the adrenal gland.
• Not receiving treatment for adrenal insufficiency (such as Addison’s disease).
• Hypopituitarism.
• Infections.
• Dehydration.
• Mental or emotional stress.
• Not taking corticosteroids after taking them for a long time.

Symptoms of adrenal crisis

An adrenal crisis is an emergency because it may cause a lack of blood flow, which develops rapidly and causes organ damage. Without treatment, adrenal crisis can lead to death. Symptoms include:

• Persistent fatigue.
• Weakness.
• Abdominal or flank pain.
• Loss of appetite.
• Darker patches of skin.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Diarrhea.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fever.
• Headache.
• Joint pain.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or confusion.
• Fainting or coma.
• Rapid heartbeat and breathing.
• Hypotension.
• Hypoglycemia.
• Seizures.

Diagnosis of adrenal crisis

• Blood tests.

Treatment of adrenal crisis

• Hydrocortisone injection.
• Managing the symptoms.