How to Prevent Acute Episodes of Adrenal Insufficiency

Acute adrenal insufficiency, also called acute adrenal crisis, is a condition in which your adrenal glands suddenly do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that is needed in order to live, and it helps regulate your body's immune system and glucose levels. People who have adrenal gland diseases that are managed through medications may develop an acute insufficiency disorder when they become ill, are injured or simply do not take care of themselves properly. Management of chronic adrenal insufficiency can help prevent acute episodes that may be life threatening.

Things You'll Need

• Medications
• Medical alert identification

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Instructions

• 1

  Recognize some of the signs of an acute adrenal crisis episode and consult your doctor to determine the appropriate treatment to prevent your episode from becoming full-blown. Symptoms of acute adrenal insufficiency are generally non-specific, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, but people who have Addison's disease or another form of adrenal insufficiency may be more in tune to their bodies and able to recognize the signs. Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and delirium with fever may all indicate an adrenal crisis is in progress.

• 2

  Stay on your medication if you have adrenal insufficiency. Underactive adrenal glands are treated with cortisone medications and other steroid drugs that help regulate your body's hormone levels. Skipping your medications or altering your doses without your doctor's knowledge may lead to an imbalance that can cause an acute adrenal crisis, according to the Mayo Clinic.

• 3

  Make regular appointments with your doctor to monitor your condition. She can adjust your medications and treat you for other medical problems that may put undue stress on your body. The American Academy of Family Physicians states that people who become ill and already have adrenal issues may suffer from an acute crisis because their bodies cannot produce the additional cortisol needed to combat stress.

• 4

  Carry hydrocortisone injectable medication and medical alert identification that indicate your adrenal insufficiency. If you begin to feel signs of adrenal failure, you may be able to head off an acute episode by giving yourself an injection. A medic alert card, necklace or bracelet will help others know how to help you if you are unable to administer your medication.