Acute Adrenal Insufficiency C0151467
A life-threatening condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce enough hormones. Can affect anyone and may be triggered by infection or stress. Emergency hormone replacement is essential.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- E34.9
- ICD-11
- 5A00.0
- Body system
- endocrine
- Severity
- critical
- Chronic
- false
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Fatigue or weight changes
Symptoms may be severe and require urgent medical attention.
Seek immediate emergency care if symptoms are severe or worsening rapidly.
Profound fatigue and weakness
Nausea with vomiting
Hypotension
Confusion and altered mental status
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Emergency IV Hydrocortisone
Immediate intravenous corticosteroid replacement with high-dose hydrocortisone to address acute cortisol deficiency and prevent hemodynamic collapse in adrenal crisis.
Endocrine management
Requires immediate emergency medical intervention. Do not delay treatment.
Aggressive Fluid Resuscitation
Rapid intravenous infusion of isotonic saline solution to restore intravascular volume and correct severe dehydration and hypotension characteristic of adrenal crisis.
Additional treatment options
Glucocorticoid Replacement Therapy
Long-term oral hydrocortisone or prednisone replacement therapy to maintain physiological cortisol levels and prevent recurrent adrenal insufficiency episodes.
medicationEmergency Medical Alert System
Wearing medical alert bracelet and carrying emergency injection kit with hydrocortisone for rapid administration during stress or trauma when oral medication is not possible.
lifestyleStress Dose Steroid Protocol
Implementing a structured plan to increase glucocorticoid doses during physical stress such as illness, surgery, or intense physical activity to prevent adrenal crisis.
lifestyleWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Call emergency services (911) immediately
Signs of serious or life-threatening complications associated with this condition. Immediate medical evaluation is required.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if experiencing: difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden severe headache, loss of consciousness, sudden weakness or numbness, or signs of internal bleeding.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Acute Adrenal Insufficiency C0151467?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Bornstein SR, Allolio B, Arlt W, et al. Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Adrenal Insufficiency: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(2):364-389.
Hahner S, Spinnler C, Fassnacht M, et al. High Incidence of Adrenal Crisis in Educated Patients With Chronic Adrenal Insufficiency: A Prospective Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015;100(2):407-416.
Oprea A, Bonnet NC, Polheck S, Bouillon RE. Emergency Management of Adrenal Insufficiency in the ICU: A Review of Recent Literature. Eur J Endocrinol. 2021;185(4):R95-R106.
White KG, Chakhtoura M, Dineen R, et al. Risk Factors for Adrenal Crisis in Patients With Adrenal Insufficiency: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2022;10(11):795-804.
Medication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Acute Adrenal Insufficiency C0151467. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.
View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy