Book Appointments & Health Checkup Packages
Book Appointments & Health Checkup Packages
Steroids, also known as corticosteroids, are a type of medication that is used to reduce inflammation and help in the treatment of certain medical conditions. They are not anabolic steroids, which are misused for building muscle tone.
Steroids in Bhubaneswar are available in several forms:
Inhalers include Beclometasone, which is inhaled to treat respiratory conditions.
Nasal sprays are similar to inhalers used in the treatment of nasal inflammation.
Injections like Methylprednisolone are injected into the joints, blood vessels, or muscles.
Topical applications of creams, gels, and lotions like Hydrocortisone are used in the treatment of inflammation.
Steroids have a wide range of applications. They are used in the treatment of the following conditions, such as:
Eczema
Hay fever
Arthritis
Inflammatory bowel disease
Multiple sclerosis
Steroids are sparingly used for the treatment of rheumatic conditions because of their side effects. Therefore, it is administered in the smallest possible dose for the shortest possible time. The medications are given as joint injections or rarely intravenous or intramuscular doses.
Steroids are generally safe when administered for short periods and in minimal doses, but in certain cases, they can pave the way for unwanted side effects such as the following:
Mood changes
Sleeping difficulties
Once the treatment is completed, the side effects can resolve on their own, but it is important not to stop the medication at once. A tapering of the dose is initiated, and based on the prescription given by the healthcare professional, the dosages are maintained to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation, which is helpful in the treatment of medical conditions, whereas anabolic steroids are used to increase muscle tone and performance. Anabolic steroids can be misused and can lead to serious health effects, such as cardiovascular effects.
Administration of high doses of steroids requires a treatment card in blue or a red emergency steroid card.
The red steroid emergency card is an indication to healthcare professionals that the individual is on steroids in case of urgent emergency treatment.
The cards should be shown to the pharmacist or the doctors to let them know that the patient is using steroids.
Steroids replicate the hormones produced by the adrenal glands, which are present in the kidneys. The swelling and redness are reduced by the steroids and, hence, can be used in treating inflammatory conditions such as eczema and asthma. Autoimmune conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, which are immune-related, can also be treated. However, they may lead to the suppression of immune system activity.
Steroids may be taken along with other drugs without major complications. However, it is also necessary to understand the drug interactions with the steroids so as to reduce the chances of adverse effects. Over-the-counter preparations are not advised to be taken without a doctor's prescription.
The following drugs can interact with steroids:
Epileptic drugs such as carbamazepine and phenytoin.
Diabetic drugs.
And medication used to treat prostate cancer.
The duration of steroid use changes depending on the medical condition and the medication. In some cases, steroids are used for the short term, while in others, they are used for the long term. It is important to discuss the treatment's length with the medical expert. Regularly follow up with a doctor for proper medical supervision and guidance.
Long-term use of steroids can lead to dependence, and the body can reduce its production of natural cortisol, which is a hormone similar to the steroids that are taken externally. It is important to taper the dosage of steroids under the supervision of a physician to avoid side effects or withdrawal symptoms other than stopping them suddenly.
Following are the precautions taken while using steroids.
Adherence to the dosage should be maintained, and dose adjustments should not be done without consulting the doctor.
Steroids can interact with other drugs, so medication history should be discussed with the physician to watch for any interactions and contact them.
Exposure to infection should be avoided, as steroids can compromise the immune system.
Corticosteroid treatment can be complemented by certain lifestyle changes, such as
Regular exercise
Avoiding triggers
Monitoring the health to keep track of the symptoms and changes in the medical conditions might help the physician adjust the treatment as well as necessary.
Home Bhubaneswar Specialities Rheumatology Steroids