SIGNS OF ADRENAL CRISIS
Learn more about what an adrenal crisis looks like
Acute adrenal crisis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is not enough cortisol. This is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.
Causes
The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys. The adrenal gland consists of two parts. The outer portion, called the cortex, produces cortisol. This is an important hormone for controlling blood pressure. The inner portion, called the medulla, produces the hormone adrenaline (also called epinephrine). Both cortisol and adrenaline are released in response to stress.
Cortisol production is regulated by the pituitary. This is a small gland just underneath under the brain. The pituitary releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This is a hormone that causes the adrenal glands to release cortisol.
Adrenaline production is regulated by nerves coming from the brain and spinal cord and by circulating hormones.
People who do not have adrenal insufficiencies naturally produce up to ten times the normal amount of cortisol, which is vital to the maintenance of blood pressure and heart muscle tone, as well as sugar and salt balance, during times of physical stress. When illness or injury occurs in adrenally insufficient individuals, however, an immediate additional dose of glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone) is necessary to avert adrenal crisis. Delay in administration of these medications can lead to shock, heart failure and death. PLEASE READ BELOW ABOUT HOW YOU CAN HELP US MEET OUR EMS PROTOCOLS CAMPAIGN!
Signs of adrenal crisis, which are not readily identifiable, include:
- Pallor
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Weakness/lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting/nausea
- Hypoglycemia
- Hypotension
- Shock
- Heart failure
HOW TO GIVE AN EMERGENCY INJECTION
Helpful instructions and videos
CARES Emergency Instructions. Print and keep handy for easy access. You can also give copies to those you work with or to personnel at your child’s school or camp.
Wallet-size Emergency Instructions. Print and carry in your pocket or bag.
WEAR/CARRY MEDICAL I.D.
Why it’s important & what it should say
All leading practitioners recommend that you always wear a medical ID.
In an accident or medical emergency like adrenal crisis, your medical ID will immediately alert emergency personnel to your condition. First responders are trained to look for a medical ID and they will ensure you get the correct treatment as quickly as possible.
If you are living with adrenal insufficiency, a medical ID could save your life.
- All people who are Adrenal Insufficient/Steroid Dependent should wear Medical Identification that says: Adrenal Insufficient/Steroid Dependent, Administer Solu-Cortef® (with appropriate dosage), AND date of birth. You can also consider listing the specific diagnosis “congenital adrenal hyperplasia” or health status “cortisone dependent” or even “treat with hydrocortisone.”
- If you have any questions as to what information you should put on your or your child’s medical alert identification, CARES Foundation encourages you to discuss this with your endocrinologist. At a minimum, however, “adrenal insufficiency” should be on the identification and it should come first.
- CARES Foundation offers a practical medical I.D. for kids and those who lead a more active lifestyle. See our medical I.D. shoe/bag tags.
- MedicAlert Foundation is a highly recognized service and I.D. shop. Memberships come with a 24/7 Emergency Response Team with access to members’ health records and the team is trained to provide critical information to first responders.
You can carry these wallet-sized cards with you on a daily basis. Simply download, print and cut.
For U.S. residents,
Click ‘VISIT YOUR FIREHOUSE/EMS STATION’ above for important information on how to make your local EMS provider aware of your or your child’s adrenal insufficiency!
CONTACT
2414 Morris Avenue, Ste 110
Union, NJ 07083
Phone: (908) 364-0272
Toll Free: (866) 227-3737
Fax: (908) 686-2019
contact@caresfoundation.org
