acute

Adrenal crisis

crisis, also known as Addisonian crisis or acute adrenal insufficiency, is a life-threatening complication of adrenal insufficiency. and are the main symptoms of an adrenal crisis. Other symptoms include weakness, , , vomiting, fever, , abnormal electrolytes, confusion, and coma. Laboratory testing may detect low sodium, high , high count, high , low blood sugar, and rarely high calcium. The biggest trigger for adrenal crisis is illness. Those with primary adrenal insufficiency are at a higher risk for an adrenal crisis. The mechanisms underlying an adrenal crisis involve the loss of endogenous ' typical inhibitory effect on cytokines.

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Symptoms — what it feels like

·Dizziness, somnolence, confusion, loss of consciousness, , vomiting, pain, decreased appetite, extreme exhaustion, unintended weight loss, weakness,

Causes — why it happens

· insufficiency, , , , pregnancy,

How it's found

·ACTH, basic panel,

Prevention

·Providing intramuscular hydrocortisone at home and using sick day rules

Treatment

· replacement, fluid resuscitation

Complications

·, , organ damage, coma, death

Outlook

·6% rate

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Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.