Kuala lumpur: Individuals experiencing persistent symptoms such as dehydration, fatigue, and poor concentration are urged to undergo a proper health check-up to rule out the risk of adrenal disorders. Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetes, Internal Medicine Specialist at Sunway Medical Centre at Sunway City (SMC) Dr Lim Chong Wei said medical advice and accurate diagnostic tests were essential to ensure timely diagnosis and effective management.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Lim noted that Malaysia’s tropical climate could make identifying adrenal disorders more challenging. Symptoms such as dehydration, fatigue, and poor concentration can easily be mistaken for the effects of environmental stress rather than a serious underlying condition. These symptoms often mask the indicators of adrenal insufficiency, which include weight loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and confusion, making it difficult to distinguish between general fatigue and a more serious underlying adrenal issue, he said in a statement issued by SMC.
The adrenal glands, also called suprarenal glands, are small, triangular-shaped organs located on top of each kidney. They produce essential hormones like cortisol, noradrenaline, and adrenaline, which play a vital role in maintaining blood pressure within a healthy range. Dr Lim highlighted that when the body lacked sufficient cortisol, it could cause a drop in blood pressure.
He explained that adrenal insufficiency occurred when the adrenal glands could not produce enough hormones, essential for maintaining blood pressure, regulating metabolism, and managing stress. The condition commonly affects people between the ages of 30 and 50 and is usually associated with autoimmune conditions like type one diabetes, coeliac, and thyroid disorder. However, other environmental factors like tuberculosis (TB), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and fungal infection may contribute to this condition in any age group.
Dr Lim emphasized that staying hydrated was particularly important in Malaysia’s humid climate, as dehydration could exacerbate symptoms. Without treatment, adrenal insufficiency can lead to life-threatening adrenal crises, where the body’s inability to produce sufficient hormones results in fatal outcomes. It becomes a medical emergency, requiring urgent hydrocortisone. Patients may be in a comatose state, and without treatment, up to 20 per cent of people in shock may die from an adrenal crisis.
Adrenal disorders are often misunderstood, leading to myths that could hinder proper management and treatment, Dr Lim noted. One common misconception is that adrenal function can recover after a diagnosis of primary adrenal failure. In reality, primary adrenal failure is irreversible, and the adrenal glands do not regain their ability to produce hormones. However, in cases of secondary adrenal insufficiency, there is a small chance-about one in six-that adrenal function may recover, which can take up to five years. Another myth is that hydrocortisone, a critical medication for adrenal insufficiency, is merely a supplement.