Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Acute Adrenal Insufficiency - Acute Adrenal Crisis
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
An acute adrenal crisis occurs when the adrenal glands suddenly stop working as they should.
What is going on in the body?
There are two adrenal glands in the body, one on top of each kidney. The outer part of each adrenal gland secretes key hormones. These hormones are called corticosteroids, which most people refer to as steroids. Steroids are needed for the body's metabolism and healthy functioning.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
For an adrenal crisis to happen, both adrenal glands must stop working well. Reasons why this may occur include the following:
People can also have an adrenal crisis when they suddenly stop taking steroid medicines, such as prednisone. When a person takes steroid medicines for more than a week, the adrenal glands become used to not having to make their own steroids, so they stop working as actively. If the person then suddenly stops taking steroids, the adrenal glands may not be able to start making their own quickly enough to maintain healthy functioning of the body. This is particularly true if the body is under stress. Stress can result from an illness, surgery, or other problem.