Adrenal crisis

Adrenal crisis (pronounced: uh-DREEN-l KRY-sis) is a potentially life-threatening medical condition requiring immediate emergency treatment. It is also known as Addisonian crisis and acute adrenal insufficiency.

Etymology

The term "adrenal" is derived from the Latin ad (near) and renes (kidneys), referring to the glands' location near the kidneys. "Crisis" comes from the Greek krisis meaning decision, referring to a crucial point in the progression of a disease.

Definition

An adrenal crisis is a severe manifestation of adrenal insufficiency, a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient amounts of steroid hormones. It is characterized by sudden, severe worsening of symptoms, including fatigue, low blood pressure (hypotension), nausea, abdominal pain, and confusion.

Symptoms

Symptoms of an adrenal crisis may include severe fatigue, dehydration, confusion, extreme weakness, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. If not treated promptly, it can lead to shock and death.

Causes

Adrenal crisis can be caused by physical stress, such as an injury, infection, or illness, in a person with adrenal insufficiency. It can also occur if a person with adrenal insufficiency stops taking their prescribed steroid medications.

Treatment

Treatment for an adrenal crisis typically involves immediate intravenous administration of hydrocortisone, fluids, and electrolytes to restore blood pressure and hydration.

Related Terms

• Adrenal insufficiency
• Addison's disease
• Hydrocortisone
• Hypotension

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Adrenal crisis
• Wikipedia's article - Adrenal crisis

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