Adrenal Crisis

Table of Contents

Learners with a diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency may experience an adrenal crisis. The parents may provide the school or program with the necessary information from the child’s healthcare provider to address this life-threatening condition.

Adrenal Insufficiency is a condition where the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys, do not produce enough of the hormones cortisol and/or aldosterone.

Adrenal crisis is a sudden, severe worsening of symptoms associated with a learner diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency, such as (non-inclusive):

  • severe pain in the lower back, abdomen, or legs, 
  • vomiting, 
  • diarrhea, 
  • fever,
  • dehydration,
  • muscle weakness or cramping,
  • loss of appetite,
  • dizziness or lightheadedness, 
  • low blood pressure,
  • low blood sugar or 
  • loss of consciousness. 

What can trigger an adrenal crisis?

Many experiences and issues can trigger an adrenal crisis. Non-inclusive examples include any physical stress, such as vomiting, diarrhea. fever, injury, illness, or surgery.

Actions

What should you do if a learner who has adrenal insufficiency experiences an adrenal crisis:

  • If the learner does not have emergency medication on hand, call EMS, and notify the learner’s parents.
  • Trained school personnel should follow the delegated emergency action plan tasks from the school nurse that are located in the learner’s health plan.