Acute Adrenal Crisis

Acute adrenal crisis, also known as Addisonian crisis, is a serious situation that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones essential for the body, especially at times of physical stress such as an infection or an injury. It requires immediate attention.

When to seek urgent care? In the face of extreme weakness, intense abdominal pain, vomiting, very low blood pressure, confusion, or fainting in a person with known adrenal problems, it is necessary to go to the emergency room immediately.

Common causes: it is usually triggered by infections, dehydration, or the abrupt discontinuation of certain hormonal treatments in those who have adrenal insufficiency.

Which specialist treats it? The emergency physician acts in the acute moment, while the endocrinologist and the pediatric endocrinologist provide subsequent follow-up. Because of its severity, acute adrenal crisis requires acting without delay at the first warning signs.