Treating Asthma With Oral Steroids

Oral steroids, also known as corticosteroids usually taken by mouth, have been commonly prescribed for many different orthopedic conditions, such as low back and shoulder pain, joint pain, and arthritis. They are most often used to treat osteoarthritis specifically, but they can also be used to help patients suffering from arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. Oral steroids are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, which means that they fight off the swelling rather than attacking the inflammation of joints and muscles. This makes them safer than steroidal treatments, since you are not exposed to the dangerous side effects of inflammation when taking oral steroids. However, they can cause significant side effects in some patients, so it is important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor thoroughly before beginning any therapy.

Commonly prescribed oral steroids include prednisone, hydrocortisone, and budesonide. These three types of oral steroids are typically used for short periods of time, as opposed to long-term use that may lead to serious side effects. Once prescribed, these pills should be taken daily and should be taken according to the manufacturer's directions. Many doctors prescribe prednisone in low doses for weeks at a time, then increasing the dosage at least four times a week for three months before ending the therapy. Hydrocortisone is usually prescribed in even lower doses, and can usually be taken once or twice a day as needed. Budesonide is usually prescribed in even lower doses, but should only be used for two to four weeks at a time.

Doctors commonly treat asthma with oral steroids. However, there is a growing list of medical conditions that they are not recommended for treatment. Specifically, it is not recommended for treatment to treat cystic fibrosis, thrombocytopenia, and non-ulcerative colitis. They are sometimes used to treat severe asthma, but this should not be done without careful consultation with a doctor. Because of their potential side effects, patients should never take oral steroids if they are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or intend to become pregnant.

Risks Associated With Oral Stomach Steroid Injections

Oral STEROIDS are known to be side effects of steroid use. If taken orally or intravenously, oral steroids are used to treat asthma and other allergic reactions. Oral prednisone is an oral anti-allergic steroid. It means that when taken orally (by mouth or intravenously), it gets absorbed into the body very quickly, unlike intravenous steroids (which get absorbed only partly into the blood stream). When using prednisone for asthma, it is prescribed only if your condition worsens despite treatment with other medications.

As oral steroids are used to treat asthma, it is commonly used in conjunction with oral corticosteroids. The two medications come in tablet and injection forms. Injections are often used because they are quick and easier to administer, thus enabling the medication to reach the lungs more quickly. Similarly, tablets can be easily swallowed down without chewing, unlike inhalers.

One of the most common side effects of oral steroids is hair loss. This can occur in both children and adults and tends to be more apparent in young boys and girls. If this happens, a doctor may reduce the dosage or stop the drug. There are certain drugs, however, that have more severe side effects. These include birth defects, bleeding, and increased risks of heart failure, stroke and blood clots.

Although oral steroids are used to treat acute inflammation, they also cause lasting changes to the function of the immune system. As a result, people taking them are at risk for developing autoimmune diseases, which occur when the immune system attacks our own cells and tissue. Such diseases include lupus, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, allergies, cancer and other diseases.

The most serious side effects of steroid injections are death and cardiovascular disease. While it is impossible to say for sure what would happen if you were to take oral steroids in high doses, there is good reason to be wary. Many athletes use them, as do patients with HIV or AIDS. Also, long-term use can lead to cataracts and other vision problems. Some rare but serious side effects of steroid injections can even lead to death.

The best way to avoid these potentially serious side effects of oral steroids is to talk to your doctor about the options available to you. Your doctor will be able to help you weigh the pros and cons of using a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication instead. If you prefer to continue with prescription medication, make sure you monitor the dosages and do your research on how the medication works. Talk to your doctor today about ways to reduce your risk for side effects from taking anti-inflammatory medications.