Oct. 13, 2022 | Most people have heard about anabolic steroids and their abuse by athletes. But not all steroids are harmful. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and are similar to cortisol, a hormone produced by the body’s adrenal glands. Cortisol is one of the body’s own natural steroids and is essential for life and well being. During stress, the human body produces extra cortisol to keep you from becoming very sick. Normally the adrenal glands release cortisol into the blood stream every morning. The brain monitors this amount and regulates the adrenal function. It cannot tell the difference between its own natural cortisone and that of steroid medicines. Therefore, when a person takes high doses of steroids over a long time, the brain may decrease or stop cortisol production. This is called adrenal suppression. Physicians generally decrease a steroid dosage slowly to allow the adrenal gland to recover and produce cortisol at a normal level again.

Oct. 13, 2022 | Corticosteroid drugs like cortisone, prednisone and hydrocortisone are used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and rashes as well as certain kinds of cancer. They are very good at reducing inflammation and mucus production in the airways of the lungs. They also treat Addison’s disease, a condition where the adrenal glands aren’t able to produce even the minimum amount of corticosteroid that the body needs. And these drugs also help suppress the immune system in order to prevent organ rejection in transplant recipients. They can be taken orally, in capsule or syrup form, to help treat the inflammation and pain associated with certain chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. They can be taken by inhaler or intranasal spray to help control the inflammation associated with asthma and nasal allergies. Creams and ointments may be prescribed to heal skin conditions while injections are used to treat muscle and joint issues.

Oct. 13, 2022 | In general, corticosteroids are recommended only for short-term use because they carry a risk of side effects. When taken orally, they can cause elevated pressure in the eyes and high blood pressure. They can also lead to problems with mood, memory and behavior. Long-term use of oral corticosteroids can lead to increased risk of infections and slower wound healing. People who use inhalers or intranasal sprays may find deposits of the drug in their mouths or throats, causing fungal infections or hoarseness. Topical corticosteroids can lead to thin skin, lesions or acne. Injected corticosteroids can cause temporary side effects near the site of the injection. These may include facial flushing, insomnia and high blood sugar. Doctors usually limit corticosteroid injections to three or four a year, depending on each patient’s situation. If you are prescribed any of these drugs, talk to your physician to make choices that minimize side effects.

Oct. 13, 2022 | Many people confuse corticosteroids with anabolic steroids and, as a result, have some concern with using this form of treatment. Anabolic steroids are synthetic variations of the male sex hormone testosterone. The proper term for these compounds is anabolic-androgenic steroids. “Anabolic” refers to muscle building and “androgenic” refers to increased male sex characteristics. Health care providers can prescribe steroids to treat hormonal issues, such as delayed puberty. Steroids can also treat diseases that cause muscle loss, such as cancer and AIDS. But some athletes may abuse these drugs to boost their performance or improve their physical appearance. Steroid use commonly causes severe acne and can cause the body to swell, especially in the hands and feet. Abuse of anabolic steroids can lead to feelings of paranoia and extreme irritability. Kidney failure, liver damage and an enlarged heart can result from long-term steroid abuse.

Oct. 13, 2022 | They may cause a wide range of side effects but corticosteroids also relieve inflammation and discomfort associated with a number of diseases and conditions. To get the most benefit from a corticosteroid medication with the least amount of risk, there are certain steps you should take. Asthma patients, for example, may want to switch from an oral to a medication that is inhaled as these reach lung surfaces directly. This will reduce the body’s exposure to the drug and the risk of side effects. If you’ve taken a corticosteroid for a long time, your adrenal glands may produce less of their natural steroid hormones. To give your adrenal glands time to recover this function, your doctor may reduce your dosage gradually. If the dosage is reduced too quickly, you may experience fatigue, body aches and lightheadedness. And be sure to eat a healthy diet and participate in activities that help you maintain a healthy weight, strong bones and muscles.