Scared Of Steroids, Don't Be!

Winter season is finally here....it is a tough time for most Respiratory Patients suffering from Asthma, COPD, ILD etc.

Frequent Upper & Lower Respiratory infections occur and medicines like Antibiotics and Steroids are frequently advised to control infection and improve lung function.

Most of us have a preconceived notion that Steroids are "BAD MEDICINES" and should be avoided at all cost. But is it true?

NO, Steroids are useful medication in hands of expert Specialists, they help in crisis situations for Quick Response to reduce inflammation, reduce severity of symptoms and save lives.

Steroids are available in oral, Inhaled and Injection form. While Injections are usually for Emergency & Hospitalised patients, Oral form (Tablets/Syrups) & Inhaled (Rotacaps/Inhalers/Nebulising solutions) are used commonly.

So what are the side effects of steroid use?

Side effects

Minor side effects (on short term use)

• water retention
• swelling, usually in your hands and feet
• increase in blood pressure
• mood swings
• Sore Throat, Cough (Inhaled steroids)

Serious Side Effects (due to Prolonged use) may raise risk of:

• diabetes
• cataracts
• osteoporosis, or bone density loss
• infections
• Pneumonia (Inhaled steroids)

Precautions

• Always use steroids under Expert Doctor Supervision
• Inform Doctor if patient uses Medication for Arthritis, osteoporosis, Heart failure, Kidney, Stomach Ulcers or any other disease requiring long term medication
• Any unusual symptom occuring after Steroid intake.

So what is the verdict ??

Steroids are Potent, Patient friendly, Safe medicines when prescribed by doctors for short periods of disease or emergency, any long term therapy should always be under Expert Doctor Supervision & due risk management.

All respiratory patients should undergo Vaccinations & Pulmonary Rehabilitation to help reduce "Flare ups".