Addisonian Crisis Symptoms

An addisonian crisis occurs when the initial symptoms for Addison's disease are ignored, triggering a sudden stressful event like an illness or an accident to cause the patient's condition to worsen. Addisonian crisis symptoms may include dehydration, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. If left untreated, this condition can be fatal, so if any of the common addisonian crisis symptoms occur, see a doctor immediately.

 

Addisonian Crisis Symptoms: An Overview

Because the symptoms of Addison's disease progress slowly, they are usually ignored until a stressful event like an illness or an accident causes them to become worse. This is called an addisonian crisis, or acute adrenal insufficiency. In most cases, symptoms are severe enough that patients seek medical treatment before a crisis occurs. However, in about 25 percent of patients, symptoms of Addison's disease first appear during an addisonian crisis.
 

Common Addisonian Crisis Symptoms

Common addisonian crisis symptoms include:
 
  • Sudden penetrating pain in the lower back, abdomen, or legs
  • Severe vomiting and diarrhea
  • Dehydration
  • Low blood pressure
  • Loss of consciousness.
     
If left untreated, an addisonian crisis can be fatal.
 

Addisonian Crisis Symptoms: Summary

The possible addisonian crisis symptoms mentioned above are not sure signs of an addisonian crisis. Other problems can also cause these symptoms. Anyone with possible addisonian crisis symptoms should see their doctor immediately or go to the emergency room. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD