The adrenal glands release two important hormones, cortisol and aldosterone, responsible for maintaining blood pressure, alertness and a sense of well-being, fluid balance and metabolism. In an article published in the March 2010 "American Nurse Today" journal, certified nursing specialist Patti Radovich states that causes of adrenal insufficiency can include autoimmune disorders, cancer, chronic prolonged illness, tuberculosis and surgical removal of the gland. Adrenal gland insufficiency symptoms occur gradually but can be life-threatening.
Fatigue and Weakness
The National Adrenal Disease Foundation explains how fatigue and weakness have an insidious onset and progress to extreme degrees. Initially people attribute the symptoms to general illness, such as a virus or a cold, or to stress. This incorrect assumption delays diagnosis and treatment. Fatigue and weakness become debilitating.
Weight Loss
Unintentional weight loss occurs because without cortisol the body cannot properly metabolize protein, carbohydrates and glucose. Scott and White Hospital explains that adrenal insufficiency suppresses appetite and causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Each symptom worsens weight loss. Despite these gastrointestinal disturbances, people with adrenal insufficiency crave salt because the low aldosterone levels increase elimination of salt from the body.
Mood Changes
Cortisol stabilizes mood and a person's sense of well-being. The NADF reports that people with adrenal gland insufficiency experience mood changes characterized by irritability and depression. Chronic fatigue, weakness and low blood sugar aggravate mood changes.
Low Blood Sugar
The liver needs cortisol to properly metabolize glucose. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that people with adrenal insufficiency experience low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. This symptom creates dangerous complications for diabetic patients with adrenal insufficiency because diabetic medications require continuous adjustment to control blood glucose levels.
Low Blood Pressure
Low cortisol and aldosterone cause low blood pressure or hypotension. NIDDK reports that blood pressure drops significantly when people with adrenal insufficiency stand up. Hypotension causes dizziness and fainting, placing these patients at risk for injury.
Skin Pigmentation Changes
Patients with adrenal insufficiency appear to have a tan. According to NIDDK, increased pigmentation occurs over pressure points like the knees, elbows, hips and toes. The lips and mucous membranes also darken.
Infections
Author Patti Radovich in the March 2010 publication of "American Nurse Today" states that patients with adrenal insufficiency have an increased risk of infection. Pneumonia, fungal infections, Haemophilus influenza and Staphylococcus aureus, infections associated with immunocompromized individuals, occur with adrenal insufficiency.
Adrenal Crisis
Adrenal crisis occurs when cortisol and aldosterone levels become essentially non-existent or adrenal glands rupture due to disease or trauma. Radovich warns that adrenal crisis is a medical emergency. Symptoms include severe lower back, leg or abdominal pain, severe vomiting and diarrhea, low blood pressure and an altered level of consciousness.
References
- "American Nurse Today"; Primary Adrenal Insufficiency: Elusive and Potentially Life-threatening; Patti Radovich; March 2010
- The National Adrenal Diseases Foundation: Addison's Disease
- Scott and White Hospital: Addison's Disease
- The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Adrenal Insufficiency and Addison's Disease
