Possible adrenal crisis? Use your prescribed emergency plan and seek emergency medical care. Adrenal crisis

Medical emergency

Adrenal Insufficiency Emergency Information

Adrenal insufficiency is a serious medical condition in which the body cannot produce adequate cortisol, an essential hormone needed to respond to illness, injury, infection, surgery, dehydration, severe stress, or other physical demands.

People living with adrenal insufficiency or long-term steroid dependence require emergency glucocorticoid treatment during medical emergencies or periods of severe physical stress.

Why This Matters

When cortisol levels become critically low, a person may develop an adrenal crisis. Adrenal crisis is a medical emergency that can progress rapidly and may become life-threatening without prompt treatment.

Symptoms can include:

Severe weakness or extreme fatigue
Vomiting or inability to keep oral medications down
Dizziness or fainting
Confusion or changes in mental status
Severe dehydration
Severe abdominal pain
Low blood pressure or collapse
Infection with fever
Significant injury, surgery, or blood loss

Emergency Preparedness

Many people with adrenal insufficiency carry:

Emergency steroid medication
Injectable emergency medication kits
Emergency medical information cards
Clinician-approved emergency treatment plans

Emergency responders and healthcare professionals should follow the patient’s individualized emergency treatment instructions and clinical judgment.

Important Reminder

This emergency information is intended to support communication during emergencies. It is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, individualized medical orders, or emergency medical services.

Always contact emergency services or seek urgent medical care when adrenal crisis is suspected.

Read the adrenal crisis preparedness page for kit checks, injection-type survey, and hospital communication notes. That page is still educational—not a dosing protocol.

EMS protocols by state

EMS PROTOCOLS BY STATE (CARES Foundation)

About My Adrenal Life

My Adrenal Life is an educational and preparedness-focused platform created to support people living with adrenal insufficiency, steroid dependence, and related chronic illness management needs.

The platform is designed to help individuals:

Organize emergency information
Track medications and symptoms
Prepare for emergencies
Improve communication with caregivers and healthcare teams
Support daily preparedness and self-management

Medical Disclaimer

My Adrenal Life is not a medical office or medical provider. The information provided is for educational and preparedness purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or emergency medical care.

If you believe you may be experiencing an adrenal crisis or medical emergency, call emergency services immediately or seek urgent medical care.