![]() ![]() Kate and I were married in 1997 and we have three wonderful boys named Connor, Carson, and Clancy. Patients and caretakers should educate themselves about the importance of stress-dosing steroids with illnesses and major injuries. An adrenal crisis occurs when there a complete collapse of the adrenal function characterized by low blood pressure, a fainting spell, altered mental status, and seizure – all of which can be life threatening. ![]() Although it is treatable with oral medications, adrenal insufficiency can be life-threatening if it is not recognized quickly (adrenal crisis). Fortunately, this aspect of ALD is treated simply by taking a steroid replacement pill daily (and adjusting the dose in times of stress or illness).īecause of the high rates of adrenal insufficiency in the male population, testing for insufficiency is extremely important, and an endocrinologist should be consulted. In Addison’s disease, the body produces insufficient levels of these steroids, which can be life threatening. The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and produce steroid hormones that control levels of sugar, sodium, and potassium in the body, and help the body respond to stress such as an illness or injury. In about 10% of ALD cases, this is the only manifestation of the disorder. 80-90% of males with ALD will have adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) occurs as a result of permanent injury to the adrenal glands from elevated VLCFA levels for reasons we do not understand.
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