Major Symptoms Of Adrenal Insufficiency

Nausea And Vomiting

Nausea, which is feeling the impending need to vomit, can be felt in the upper abdomen, chest, and throat. Vomiting is the involuntary action of the stomach to force its contents out of the body through the mouth. Nausea and vomiting, present in about fifty percent of those with adrenal insufficiency, accompany one another as nausea often precedes vomiting. Some medicines can ease the discomfort of nausea and sometimes stop vomiting. Vomiting is usually a sign that the disease has progressed. The body's gag reflex and couching protect it from aspirating vomit, but these protections can fail in cases of unconsciousness. It is important to roll an unconscious vomiting individual on their side to lessen this possibility.

Extreme Fatigue

With lowered production of homeostasis-regulating hormones, extreme fatigue is common with both types of adrenal insufficiency. It is characterized by weakness, sleepiness, and general malaise. Affected individuals might wake up every morning with the feeling of not having slept at all. It might be difficult for a patient to get out of bed, go to work, and complete simple daily activities. Fatigue is a continuous feeling, and it does not come and go with activity level. There is usually no obvious reason an individual would feel fatigued such as extreme exercising or not sleeping. Without being able to participate in regular activities, fatigue can lead to anxiety and depression.