Table 2 Adrenal insufficiency, adrenal suppression (AS), and adrenal crisis: definitions and symptoms [20, 21]
Definition | Signs/Symptoms |
|---|---|
Adrenal insufficiency: Adrenal glands unable to produce a sufficient amount of cortisol secondary to ANY etiology (genetic, iatrogenic, acquired); may be associated with other adrenal hormone deficiencies. | â–º Weakness/fatigue â–º Malaise â–º Nausea â–º Vomiting â–º Diarrhea â–º Abdominal pain â–º Headache (usually in the morning) â–º Poor weight gain â–º Poor linear growth â–º Myalgia â–º Arthralgia â–º Psychiatric symptoms |
Adrenal suppression (AS): Adrenal glands unable to produce a sufficient amount of cortisol secondary to exposure of the HPA axis to exogenous glucocorticoids, leading to suppression and, in turn, adrenal insufficiency. | â–º Weakness/fatigue â–º Malaise â–º Nausea â–º Vomiting â–º Diarrhea â–º Abdominal pain â–º Headache (usually in the morning) â–º Poor weight gain â–º Poor linear growth â–º Myalgia â–º Arthralgia â–º Psychiatric symptoms |
Adrenal crisis: Severe, life-threatening adrenal insufficiency; can occur with AS. | â–º Hypotension â–º Hypoglycemia (seizure, coma) |