ACTH is a drug, which may result in allergy symptoms in sensitized individuals. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) has been used to manage asthma, and can be used during acute attacks of gout, because it stimulates the body to produce and release corticosteroids (cortisol) that naturally reduce inflammation. A test to measure ACTH is done to check for, any problems with the adrenal glands or pituitary gland. Overproduction of ACTH may be caused by an overactive pituitary gland, or sometimes by a tumor in the lung. This test measures the level of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the blood.