Symptoms

• Symptoms of adrenal crisis include weakness, nausea, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, fever, diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, abdominal pain, confusion and shock.
  
  

Causes

• Causes of adrenal crisis can include blood infection, damage to the pituitary tissue, surgical stress, and bleeding in the adrenal glands.
  
  

Diagnosis

• Diagnosing adrenal crisis may include blood tests to check hormone levels, red blood cells, and autoimmune or endocrine disorders. Other diagnostic tests used are x-rays, CT scans, and ACTH stimulation test.
  
  

Treatment

• Treatment of adrenal crisis includes steroid and antibiotic medicines, and fluid replacement since patients with adrenal crisis are typically dehydrated.
  
  

Risks

• Risk factors for developing adrenal crisis can include adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), using steroid medicines, and septic shock.