The adrenaline glands in our body secrete steroid hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone. However, when the body is unable to produce enough steroid hormones, artificial steroids or corticosteroids are prescribed which are used to treat a wide range of conditions. Corticosteroids are an anti-inflammatory medicine.
Steroids are available as creams or ointments, nasal sprays, inhalers, tablets and injections. Steroid creams are used to treat a host of dermatological issues such as eczema and dermatitis. As nasal sprays, steroids are prescribed for hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Steroid inhalers help to treat asthma and steroid tablets are often prescribed for inflammatory bowel disease or other conditions. Steroid injections are popular for treating arthritis.
Why would a doctor prescribe steroids?
A doctor would likely advise steroid medication if you are suffering from inflammation. Corticosteroids help in reducing inflammation by suppressing the immune system.
So, what are steroids used for? You might be prescribed corticosteroids treatment if you have any of the conditions mentioned below:
- Atopic Eczema
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD
- Lupus
- Joint, muscle and tendon inflammation
- Sciatica
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Allergic rhinitis and hay fever
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
Corticosteroids are also prescribed to replace certain hormones that the body can no longer produce naturally. An example that can be cited here relates to Addison’s disease. The treatment usually involves corticosteroid replacement therapy for life. The body no longer produces cortisol and aldosterone hormones which the corticosteroid medicine replaces.
How do steroids work?
When a wound or infection occurs, the immune system reacts by causing inflammation. Although inflammation frequently serves as a protective mechanism for your body, it can occasionally be harmful. Inflammatory diseases such as asthma and eczema can be treated with steroids.
Steroids reduce the body’s natural defense against disease and infection. This can aid in the treatment of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
What are the 5 common side effects of steroids?
If you are undergoing a short term (less than a month) treatment with corticosteroids, taking steroid tablets should not cause any significant side-effects. However, if the dose is high or you are undergoing long term treatment with steroids, you may face the below side-effects:
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Weight gain
- Swollen or puffy face
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Feeling irritable or anxious
- Depression
- Osteoporosis (a condition where the bones become brittle)
- Eye conditions such as cataract and glaucoma
- Lower resistance to infections such as chicken pox and measles
How can you minimize the side effects of steroids?
Healthcare professionals adhere to a number of recommendations to reduce the negative effects of steroids. By adhering to the following points, the negative effects of steroids can be managed:
- Steroid medication should only be taken when prescribed by a medical practitioner
- Be vigilant with the patient to spot any early indications of major side effects.
- If possible, ask your doctor if local problems can be treated with topical steroids.
- Try to use the lowest effective dose to manage the illness.
- If the disease is under control, ask your doctor if you can gradually reduce the dosage.
- Keep your blood glucose and blood pressure in check
Other measures to avoid certain side effects should be carefully discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does everyone face the same side effects from steroids?
Not every patient experiences side effects. Every adverse effect has a different frequency depending on the individual.
None of the negative effects described may manifest if steroid use is short-term (a few days to a few weeks). When steroid injections are occasionally administered for arthritis, tendonitis, or bursitis, the side effects indicated above typically do not manifest. However, if steroid use is sustained (for a few months to many years) and involves large doses, there may be an increase in negative effects. Only severe conditions that pose major hazards to the patient can justify the continued use of high dose steroids.