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Adrenal Insufficiency Symptoms
Because symptoms of adrenal insufficiency usually 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, adrenal insufficiency symptoms first appear during an addisonian crisis.
Symptoms of an addisonian crisis 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.
The possible adrenal insufficiency symptoms mentioned above are not sure signs of adrenal insufficiency. Other problems can also cause these symptoms. Anyone with possible symptoms of adrenal insufficiency should see their doctor. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD