Steroids, aka corticosteroids or glucocorticoids, are powerful medications used to treat a plethora of conditions, from asthma to skin conditions and even cancer.
However, they can come with short- and long-term side effects. In fact, up to 90% of patients will experience side effects while taking steroids.
That's why, "the benefits versus the risk should always be considered carefully," says Adam Rivadeneyra, MD, a sports medicine specialist with Hoag Orthopedic Institute.
Steroid side effects
When you take corticosteroids, they mimic cortisol, a hormone that your body naturally releases in response to stress like injury or illness.
Steroids enter the nucleus of cells and stop the production of proteins and other chemicals that cause both inflammation and immune activity, says Erin McNeely, MD, an internal medicine physician at Spectrum Health.
This affects your hormonal system and can cause side-effects of short-term steroid use, including:
Increased appetite
Moodiness or increased happiness
Sleep changes
Acne
Headache
Dizziness
Heartburn
Weakness
Easy bruising and slow healing
Long-term steroid use can cause more severe side-effects.
"Steroid medications at high doses or long term treatment more than one to two weeks can be very harmful with some permanent complications or side effects," says Rivadeneyra.
Dis jou liggaam - Jy moet dit self gesond en instand hou.
Long-term side effects of steroid use include:
Weight gain and swelling
Loss of bone density and thinning of the skin
Diabetes
Mood changes and psychiatric effects
Changes to the hormonal system
Increased risk for serious infection
New or changed hair growth patterns
Changes to fat distribution
Decreased sexual functioning
Changes to menstruation
After using steroids you'll have a suppressed immune system for about the same length of time that you were on the steroids, leaving you at increased risk for infections, McNeely says.
So, it's important to take measures to avoid illness like washing your hands frequently with soap and water.
Who is most at risk?
Older people and those with the following underlying health conditions have an increased risk for side effects from steroids:
Diabetes
Crohn's disease and other auto-immune conditions
A suppressed immune system
Depression and other behaviour health conditions
Cardiovascular disease
The longer you are on steroids and the higher the dose, the more likely you are to have side effects. However, side effects are extremely common even on short doses and for otherwise healthy people.
Mitigating side effects
To reduce the risk of side effects, take steroids for the shortest possible time and lowest effective dose to address a condition, says McNeely.
"It is important to limit the amount of steroids to prevent these side effects and especially infections that can happen when you are immunosuppressed," she says.
The way that you take steroids also matters. Steroids can be inhaled, injected, applied as a cream, or ingested orally.
In general, localised steroids — those that are inhaled, injected into a joint or tendon sheath, or applied as cream — have fewer side effects because they remain in one area of the body.
On the other hand, injected steroids along with "oral steroids tend to have the most significant and potentially harmful side effects," says McNeely.
It's also possible to experience withdrawal symptoms — like fatigue, weakness, and nausea — if you reduce your steroid dose too quickly. For that reason, in many cases your doctor will taper your dose. This gives your body a chance to adjust to the lower dose and resume its own normal production of cortisol and adrenal gland function.
When to see a doctor
"Not all side effects are truly harmful, but they should all be discussed with your doctor," says Rivadeneyra.
However, if you experience any of the following side effects, seek medical care immediately:
Vision changes or changes to the eyes, including teariness or redness
Sore throat, fever or signs of infection
Confusion or changed perception or reality
Tingling in the limbs
Upset stomach or vomiting
Swelling
Hives, rash, or itching
It's important that if you begin experiencing side effects while taking a steroid, call your doctor or seek medical attention, but do not suddenly stop the steroids unless a doctor has told you to do so.
"It can be very dangerous for your health if you stop your steroid medication without your doctor's supervision," says Rivadeneyra.
Note: Over-the-counter steroids like the anti-itch cream hydrocortisone can also cause side effects if used long term. If you need to use anti-itch cream for more than a few days, talk to your doctor, says Rivadeneyra.
Takeaway
Steroids suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. That makes them very powerful at treating conditions ranging from asthma to cancer.
However, side effects from steroids are extremely common. It's important to discuss benefits and drawbacks with your doctor, and seek medical help immediately if you experience concerning symptoms like vision changes.
"Steroid side effects can be severe and life altering," says McNeely. "Still, steroids can be appropriate in many settings. Make sure you understand what your particular risks and benefits are in any situation where you will be starting these medications.
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Steroids - a doctors favourite prescription. Destroying the life's of many people. If you use steroids you will lack alot of minerals and other essential foods. The Pharma syndicate will never heal you in full.
Its time to realize that Cortizone and Steroids will take always your health on the long run and will never be healed again. Stop listening to the Pharma world and take responsibility for yourself. It's time to take action and get rid of these practices. Get in touch with a real Professional Health practitioner to heal you in a real and natural way.
