What your doctor can do:

• Diagnose the disease by asking about your symptoms and medical history and doing a physical exam.
• Order laboratory tests to assess cortisol levels like an ACTH stimulation test or an Insulin-induced hypoglycemia test.
• Order X-ray imaging of the adrenal glands and/or brain, including CT scans.

Treatment includes:

• Oral cortisone drugs, which need to be taken precisely as directed. You may be instructed how to increase your dose in times of stress or minor infection.
• An injectable form of cortisone, with needle and syringe, to give yourself in emergencies.
• Hospitalization for an acute adrenal crisis to receive intravenous (IV) fluids, glucose, and cortisone drugs.