Acute adrenal crisis
Definition
Acute adrenal crisis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is not enough cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.
Causes
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 glucocorticoid -- a corticosteroid that:
- Helps regulate blood sugar (glucose)
- Holds back the immune response
- 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.
Adrenal crisis occurs when:
- The adrenal gland is damaged (Addison's disease, primary adrenal insufficiency)
- The pituitary gland is injured (secondary adrenal insufficiency)
- Adrenal insufficiency is not properly treated
Risk factors for adrenal crisis include:
- Dehydration
- Infection and other physical stress
- Injury to the adrenal or pituitary gland
- Stopping treatment with steroids such as prednisone or hydrocortisone too early
- Surgery
- Trauma
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Confusion or coma
- Darkening of the skin
- Dehydration
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Fatigue
- Flank pain
- Headache
- High fever
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of consciousness
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Profound weakness
- Rapid heart rate
- Rapid respiratory rate (see tachypnea)
- Shaking chills
- Skin rash or lesions
- Slow, sluggish movement
- Unintentional weight loss
- Unusual and excessive sweating on face or palms
- Vomiting
Treatment
In adrenal crisis, patients need an immediate injection of hydrocortisone through a vein (intravenous) or muscle (intramuscular). You may receive intravenous fluids if you have low blood pressure.
You will need to go to the hospital for treatment and monitoring. If infection caused the crisis, you may need antibiotic therapy.
Prognosis
Shock may occur if treatment is not provided early, and it can be life-threatening.
Prevention
If you have Addison's disease, you should learn 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.
It is important to always carry a medical identification card that states the type of medication and the proper dose you need in case of an emergency.
Never miss your medications.