Adrenal crisis – Acute adrenal insufficiency

Description adrenal crisis

Adrenal crisis life-threatening disease, in which the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland does not make enough adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH responsible for regulating the function of the adrenal glands (about kidney cancer, producing hormones, that regulate many of the important functions of the body).

The crisis is a very serious disease of the adrenal glands, that requires immediate treatment. If you suspect the presence of the disease, urgently need to seek medical help.

Causes of adrenal crisis

Can cause adrenal crisis:

• Quick exit from steroid therapy;
• Sepsis (blood poisoning);
• Surgical stress;
• Adrenal apoplexy (ie. adrenal hemorrhage);
• Pituitary necrosis (pituitary tissue death);
• Malfunction pituitary cells, instead of adrenocorticotropic hormone-producing thyroid hormones.

Risk factors for adrenal crisis

The following factors increase the risk of adrenal crisis:

• Septic shock;
• Adrenal insufficiency;
• The use of steroid drugs.

Symptoms of adrenal crisis

These symptoms may be caused by other diseases. For an accurate diagnosis, seek medical advice.

• Weakness;
• The constant feeling of fatigue;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Loss of appetite;
• Weight loss;
• Low blood pressure;
• Abdominal pain;
• Fever;
• Obmoroki or coma;
• Diarrhea;
• Bluish skin color;
• Dehydration;
• Shock.

Diagnosis of adrenal crisis

For the diagnosis of the disease and the need for physical inspection of the following tests:

• Blood tests, to measure levels of hormones (ACTH, Cortisol). The analysis also includes the determination of the level:
  • Erythrocyte;
  • Electrolytes glucose;
• The analysis on autoimmune and endocrine disorders;
• Chest X-ray;
• CT scan (CT) to make pictures of internal organs;
• ACTH stimulation, to confirm the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency.

Treatment of adrenal crisis

Treatment involves the following procedures:

Filling level of fluid in the body

Almost all patients with adrenal crisis occurs dehydration, and they need to take plenty of fluids, containing sodium and carbohydrates (mostly glucose).

Medication

When adrenal crisis needs steroids and antibiotics. If oral causes vomiting, nausea, or loss of consciousness, these drugs are administered intravenously or by injection.

Prevention adrenal crisis

To reduce the likelihood of adrenal crisis, you must take the following steps:

• If there is a constant feeling of fatigue, weakness, or an unexplained weight loss, you need to see a doctor, to identify, whether there is a lack of adrenal hormones;
• When receiving hydrocortisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone need to know, whether it is possible to increase the dose, if there is a background to the disease;
• If there is a problem with the adrenal glands (eg, pain, nausea, vomiting), immediately seek medical advice;
• When there are persistent problems with the nadpochechnikovymi glands must have an injection of hydrocortisone.