How To Minimize Side Effects of Corticosteroids
December 3, 2009
Corticosteroids, often referred as simply steroids, are popular anti-inflammatory medicines prescribed for treating a wide range of diseases. Corticosteroids should not be confused with anabolic steroids, which are used for treating sex hormone deficiency in men. Corticosteroids mimic the hormones secreted by the adrenal glands. They are prescribed for treating rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, lupus, allergies and several other illnesses. Despite the benefits of these medications, corticosteroids are not devoid of side effects. To reduce the risks of side effects of corticosteroids, certain precautions should be taken during intake of these medicines.
Weight gain
Prolonged intake of corticosteroids increases the risk of weight gain. People on corticosteroid medications often tend to experience increase in appetite. Bulging belly is often a symptom of the side effect of corticosteroid medications. To minimize this adverse effect of corticosteroids, while you are taking this medication, you should monitor your regular calorie intake. Limit salt intake to reduce bloating and fluid retention. To prevent fat build up, remember to exercise regularly.
Bone loss
People taking corticosteroids for a prolonged period have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis. To prevent loss in bone mass, they should consume at least 1500mg of calcium throughout their corticosteroid therapy. Milk, dairy products and calcium supplements could help to retain the bone density. Along with calcium, intake of 400 to 800IU of vitamin D is necessary to minimize the risk of osteoporosis during the steroid therapy. Quit smoking and stay away from alcoholic drinks.
Infection
While treating autoimmune diseases, besides suppressing the harmful immune response of the body, corticosteroids could suppress the body’s immunity, increasing the risk of infections. This immune suppressing function of corticosteroids could worsen even minor infections. Annual flu shots could prevent occurrence of pneumonia. However, you should not take measles, mumps, chicken pox and rubella vaccines. To prevent infections, stay away from crowded places, do not come in direct contact with ill people and frequently wash your hands.
Insomnia
Sometimes corticosteroids can disrupt your normal sleeping pattern. To prevent insomnia, it is advisable to take corticosteroid medications during the morning. Stick to your daily sleep routine, going to bed and waking up at the same time.
Comments
Got something to say? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.