Understanding Steriods in Patient Treatments

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Generic structure of the steroids, numbered (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Steroids are prescribed for numerous conditions including in high does to treat conditions like cancers(in conjunction with chemotherapy and for most autoimmune disorders Steroids are used in small does and most people will find themselves starting at a higher dose and , “stepping down” to a lower dose. Depending on the condition you are being treated for you will find yourself stopping them completely or staying on a maintained dose.
It is amazing how many conditions are treated with steroids. Lupus, rheumatic fever, severe asthma, and even organ transplant patients will find themselves using steroids. It also is administered in many different forms. There are steroid creams for skin conditions, sprays, shots, and pills.
Steroids act on the body by decreasing inflammation. Dexmethsone is a common steroid prescribed for pain. However predisolone may also be used to treat pain. The use of steroids in palliative care in the elderly has become wide spread. Steroid can interact with mineral absorption and cause elderly patients to be more inclined to weakening in bones and joints. The benefits of treatment for chronic pain of steroids as a whole is something doctors will consider if you are prescribe steroids for strictly pain control.
The degree of side effects you can expect from steroid usage is really dependent on dose. These are the most common side effects and some solutions to them
• Heartburn – Steroids like aspirin can upset your stomach. It helps to take steroid with a meal and possibly with milk.
• Mood Swinging-Most people fell anxious and more emotional on steroids. Try not to take yourself too seriously if you find yourself feeling this way. Avoid emotionally stressful situations if you can during your steroid therapy
• Insomnia- Steroids can give you an adrenal rush so avoid taking you medicine right before bed. It is ideal to take you doses as early as possible to avoid this side effect
• Weight gain- Steroids tend to make you retain water and have a huge appetite. Your weight will eventually return to normal after therapy has stopped. If you eat more doing treatment tries to stick with fruits, nuts, and other healthy snacks.
• Increase in Acne: Many people find the acne they had outgrown in adolescence returning with steroid use. Home remedies and over the counter acne treatments should minimize this side effect.

Some of the more serious side effects are only likely to occur with long term treatment. Vision problems like glaucoma or cataracts can occur during treatment. Any changes in your vision when receiving steroid treatment should be reported to your doctor. Blood pressure and blood sugar increase in people being treated with steroid therapy. The doctor may need to adjust the dosage of any high blood pressure medicine you now take to keep you hypertension under control. The same is true if you are a diabetic, the doctor may adjust your insulin.
Steroids lowers your immune system .To be on the safe side avoid contact with people you know are ill. It is also good to avoid people who have recently been vaccinated and to no be vaccinated you during steroid treatment.

People on long term steroids can develop some odd problems that the doctor will be looking for. Call your doctor if you develop a swollen face. This is known as,”Cushing syndrome “and your doctor will want to know about it. Your doctor also will monitor you for weaker bones and muscles that can occur as a result of long term steroid use.

Buttock injections are a common way for patients to recieve steriods.

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