Uses and side effects of Steroids

Uses of Steroids

Corticosteroids consist of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids. Corticosteroids are known as " wonder drugs" in medical field due to rapid therapeutic improvement seen after use. Steroids have potent anti-inflammatory action and very rapid action.
Following are a few conditions in which Steroids are used.

Bronchial Asthma –

.Intravenous, intravmuscular route is used for injections. Inhalers are also used. Hydrocortisone / dexamethasone, betamethasone, beclomethasone are used.

Anaphylactic Shock -

Anaphylactic Shock is the most serious hypersensitivity reaction and is an emergency characterized by circulatory collapse, laryngospasm and suffocation. Penicillin is the drug which can give rise to "Anaphylactic Shock".
Intravenous hydrocortisone / dexamethasone is a must. Steroids will rapidly inhibit cellular response which gives rise to “Anaphylactic Shock”.

Nephrotic syndrome –

It is more common in children than in adults. Normal urine shouldn’t contain protein.
In this condition, excess amounts of protein leak into the urine. In nephrotic syndrome, due to the leak hypoproteinaemia results. So fluid accumulates in the body causing edema.

Management of Thyroid associated ophthalmopathy” (TAO)

Urticaria management

Intraarticular injections of steroids in arthritis

Intralesional steroid injection are (usually triamcinolone or kenalog) used.

Immune mediated disorders

Immune mediated disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus, polyarteritis nodosa, vasculitis.

Status asthmaticus

Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic Steroids are used by athletes, sports person for increasing stamina and body building purpose. These help in muscle building.

Allergic rashes

In allergic rashes, Steroids are used along with antihistaminics.

Management of uveitis in Ophthalmology

Uveitis is an eye disease in which eye inflammation is seen. Steroids are used as drops, subconjunctival injections, injections around eye.

Management of inflammation in body

Sex hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are steroids

Topical corticosteroids are used for alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata means hair loss on scalp of head .

Cosmetic use

Steroid injections are also used for eyebrow hair loss.

Side effects of Steroids

. Acne -
Acne flare up is seen.
Read more-
Home Remedies For Acne
Acne-Vulgaris

. Aggressive behavior

. Adrenal Genital Syndrome is a very disturbing occurrence, in which a female fetus can develop male reproductive organs. Woman should not use anabolic steroids during pregnancy.

. Cataract formation.

. Increased intraocular pressure leading to glaucoma.

. Osteoporosis -

Read more-
Arthritis

. Weight gain –
This gives rise to appearance of buffalo hump. This occurs due to water retention effect of mineralocorticoids.

. Mood swings

. Depression

. Epiphyseal closure inn children leading to stunted growth. Height will not increase once epiphyseal closure occurs.

. Rise in blood pressure

. Rise in blood sugar. This is called as " diabetogenic effect" of steroids. All diabetics must inform their physician if they are taking steroids for any purpose.

. Headaches, migraines