Abstract
The adrenal glands produce corticosteroids, mineralocorticoids and adrenal androgens. Adrenal insufficiency may be caused by primary adrenal failure or by impairment of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Adrenal insufficiency is life threatening when diagnosis is missed. The main symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, anorexia and dizziness. A stepwise diagnostic work up is required to identify the underlying cause of adrenal insufficiency. The treatment of adrenal insufficiency requires glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement therapy, which requires careful monitoring. The long-term management of patients with adrenal insufficiency requires experienced specialist care. All doctors should know how to diagnose and manage acute adrenal failure.
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Mbagaya, W., Orme, S.M. (2015). Weight Loss and Dizziness: Adrenal Failure. In: Ajjan, R., Orme, S. (eds) Endocrinology and Diabetes. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2789-5_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2789-5_12
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