Adrenal insufficiency is the dysfunction of the adrenal glands located in the abdomen above the kidneys, whose function is to secrete hormones that allow the body to respond to stressful situations.
This alteration can occur suddenly or slowly and progressively. The causes are Addison's disease, due to an infection or an autoimmune reaction against the gland, septic shock secondary to a severe infection of the body and a sudden decrease in the intake of glucocorticoids and/or mineralocorticoids.
The most frequent symptoms include weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite (anorexia), abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, fever, and muscle and joint pain.
The diagnosis will be made with the clinical history and physical examination. It will be confirmed with a blood test that will determine the basal cortisol level, ACTH test, etc.
Treatment is based on pharmacological replacement of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids and the treatment of symptoms.
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