Do I Have Acute Adrenal Crisis (Addisonian Crisis)?

Do you have a diagnosis of Addison’s disease?

Have you suddenly stopped taking glucocorticoids (which you have been using for a long time)?

Have you had any type of infection or physical or mental trauma (stress, surgery)?

Do you have severe weakness and fatigue?

Do you have slow, sluggish movement?

Do you have confusion, reduced consciousness or delirium?

Do you have an unusual and excessive sweating on face or palms?

Do you have a high fever and shaking chills?

Do you have low blood pressure?

Do you have rapid heart rate or hyperventilation (rapid and deep breathing)?

Do you have nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea?

Do you have a flank pain (dull ache in the areas around the sides of your body from your upper abdomen to your back)?

Do you feel dehydrated (dry mouth, increased thirst, dizziness)?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have an acute adrenal crisis. Acute adrenal crisis or Addisonian crisis is a life-threatening medical condition caused by insufficient levels of the hormone called cortisol. The hormone cortisol is produced by two adrenal glands located above the kidney. Cortisol plays an important role in maintaining normal blood sugar levels, the functioning of the immune system and the body's response to stress. The production of cortisol is regulated by the pituitary gland, a small gland located below the brain. Addisonian crsis occurs in case of worsening or inadequate treatment of Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency) or due to pituitary injury.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have an acute adrenal crisis. Acute adrenal crisis or Addisonian crisis is a medical emergency caused by a lack of the hormone called cortisol. It usually occurs in people who have Addison's disease but have just suffered some form of physical or mental stress such as infection, dehydration, trauma or surgery. It can also occur due to diseases that suddenly damage the function of the adrenal gland. A diagnosis is based on your medical history, a physical examination and the result of various tests including ACTH (cosyntropin) stimulation test and blood tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have an acute adrenal crisis. Acute adrenal crisis or Addisonian crisis is an endocrine disorder characterized by cortisol deficiency. Cortisol is a hormone produced and released by the adrenal gland. People with Addisonian crisis may experience dizziness, profound weakness, increased sweating, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, or loss of consciousness. Addisonian crisis must be treated promptly. Treatment involves hormone replacement therapy, in the form of intravenous or intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone, and the maintenance of normal blood pressure levels by intravenous fluids.