Adrenal Crisis
Answers to common questions about adrenal crisis.
Questions on this page
What is an adrenal crisis?
An adrenal crisis is a life-threatening emergency caused by inadequate cortisol during severe physiological stress.
What can trigger an adrenal crisis?
Possible triggers include:
- Severe infection
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Major surgery
- Significant injury
- Severe illness
- Inadequate steroid replacement
- Sudden interruption of glucocorticoid therapy in susceptible patients
What are the warning signs?
Seek emergency medical care for symptoms such as:
- Severe weakness
- Repeated vomiting
- Severe abdominal pain
- Very low blood pressure
- Confusion
- Collapse
- Loss of consciousness
People with known adrenal insufficiency should have a clear sick-day steroid plan and emergency medical identification.