Steroid use

About Steroid use

Steroids are medications that reduce inflammation and are used to treat many diseases from asthma to arthritis. When they are taken on a long-term basis, problematic side effects can occur including: glaucoma, cataracts, high-blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, GERD, osteoporosis, muscle atrophy, increased infections, and Cushing syndrome.

Symptoms

Rapid relief from many inflammatory or allergic conditions. Side effects are euphoric reaction (happy feeling), labile (changeable) mood, tremor, blurry vision, lump on back, weight gain, weakness, fatigue, abdominal pain, a tendency to bruise.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. Electrolytes are monitored by blood tests. Bone density testing can be done if steroid use has been needed for a long duration.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), EKG, Troponin.

Conventional treatment summary

Long term steroids always need to be stopped gradually to allow the body's own system to begin producing steroids on its own. Patients who have be taking steroids for greater than 2-3 weeks and who become seriously ill or injured may need intravenous steroids to help them effectively recover. Specific treatment directed at the adverse effects of the steroid use will also be performed.

Medical specialties

Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Endocrinology · Family Practice · Pediatric Endocrinology

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Steroid use.