Reactions to corticosteroids
By Tash Hughes of
Word Constructions
Corticosteroids are a group of drugs used to treat
various conditions, particularly inflammations and
allergic reactions.
Like other drugs, corticosteroids can produce some
negative effects, such as allergic reactions and
overdose problems.
Allergic responses
Corticosteroids are commonly used to treat allergic
reactions, but in some cases people may actually be
allergic to the corticosteroid itself. Skin patch tests
can then be used to see if the patient is allergic to a
particular corticosteroid or to many of these drugs.
Asthmatics and kidney transplant patients are most
likely to develop an allergic reaction than other
patients.
The following symptoms may occur if a patient has an
allergic response to corticosteroids:
·
Itchiness
·
Trouble breathing
·
Dizziness
·
Swelling
·
Rash
·
Sneezing
·
Dyspnea
·
Edema
·
Bronchospasm
Allergic reactions may occur immediately or be delayed.
A severe allergic reaction may cause death, but this is
rare.
Corticosteroids applied to the skin (such as in
treatment of excema or severe dermatitis) will often
result in allergic responses on the skin.
Overdoses
A single does of corticosteroid is unlikely to cause any
medical issues, unless there is an allergic reaction or
the does is extremely large.
However, taking too many doses close together may lead
to an overdose which may be lethal. An overdose may
produce the following symptoms:
·
Swelling in the lower legs, ankles and feet
·
Joint or muscle pain
·
Diabetes gets worse
·
Stomach pain
·
Purple blotches on the skin
·
Headaches
·
Nervousness
·
Blurred vision
·
Worsening of ulcer
·
sleepiness
·
Muscle weakness
·
Increased thirst and/or urination
·
No periods
·
Deafness
·
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
·
Convulsions
·
Itchy or burning skin
·
Dry skin
·
Depression
·
Weakness
·
Psychosis
If you experience some of these symptoms whilst taking
corticosteroids, get medical advice soon.
Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome
During any steroid treatment, the adrenal glands stop
producing the hormone cortisol*. It takes time for the
body to readjust and start making cortisol again when
the drug is removed so it is critical that
corticosteroids are progressively stopped.
A fast withdrawal from long term or high dose use of
corticosteroids could result in a very low amount of
cortisol in the blood. This could lead to an adrenal
crisis which is life threatening.
Steroid withdrawal syndrome, or the rebound effect,
often shows first as fever, muscle pain and joint pain
which may be confused with a return of the original
problem that the corticosteroid was treating.
* cortisol is the natural hormone than corticosteroids
mimic.
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