Side Effects of Steroids on the Human Body and How We Can Reduce Their Risk

 

What are steroids?

Introduction:

Side Effects of Steroids on Human The Body, Human steroid hormones, such as glucocorticoids (naturally cortisol while synthetically dexamethasone), mineralocorticoids (Aldosterone) & androgens (testosterone commonly known as an anabolic hormone, estradiol) are synthesized naturally by the human body. The anti-inflammatory effect of synthetic steroids mimics the actions of these hormones. Anabolic steroids are commonly used by bodybuilders and athletes.

How do steroids work?

Inflammation is usually the body’s natural response to infection or germs. Infections or germs trigger your immune system to create excess fluid, which results in redness and heat in the afflicted region. After a cut or wound, you may have experienced this phenomenon.

By reducing inflammation, steroids may also help reduce symptoms such as edema, discomfort, and stiffness.

With these steroids, it is possible to suppress immunological activity in autoimmune diseases such as SLE & Rheumatoid arthritis.

 Corticosteroid drugs:

 Includes cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, and dexamethasone. They can be used to treat rashes, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma, among other things. But there is a chance that these drugs will have different side effects.

 The main types of steroids commonly used in medical treatments are:

• Oral steroids reduce inflammation and treat a wide range of illnesses.
• Topical steroids are those that are applied to the skin. Many skin disorders can be treated using creams and ointments.
• Nasal Steroids, Asthma, and nasal allergy sufferers benefit from steroid nasal sprays, which reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
• The eyedrops form comprises eyedrops that may be applied via the eyes. Steroids in eyedrop form: Swelling following ophthalmic surgery can be treated using this type.
• Injection: Muscle and joint ailments are frequently treated with this type.

 

What are the possible side effects of steroids?

• Appetite increases.
• Weight gain.
• Mood swings.
• Muscle weakness.
• Vision becomes hazy.
• Hair growth on the body is increased.
• Reduced immunity to infection.
• Easier to bruise.

 

What side effects can corticosteroids cause?

 If you take a corticosteroid, you may have side effects, some of which can be dangerous. Knowing what side effects might happen, you can take steps to lessen their impact.

 

Side effects of corticosteroids taken by mouth:

Due to their systemic nature, oral corticosteroids are more likely to induce adverse effects than any other delivery method. Depending on the amount of medicine you are taking, you may have the following side effects

• It is swelling in your lower legs as a result of fluid retention.
• Insomnia, dizziness, and other forms of hallucination are all symptoms of uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Distressed state of mind
• Fat builds up in your stomach, face, and the back of your neck, which makes you gain weight.
• Stomach Disturbance.

Long-term use of oral corticosteroids may result in the following side effects:

• Higher risk of infections, especially with common bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• Higher eye pressure (glaucoma)
• Clouding of one or both eyes’ lenses (cataracts)
• High blood sugar can cause or make diabetes worse. Osteoporosis and fractures are more likely due to the bone’s thinning (osteoporosis) caused by steroid use.
• Steroids Slow the synthesis of adrenal gland hormones which can lead to various signs and symptoms, such as extreme exhaustion, nausea, and weakening of the muscles and joints.
• Thin skin, bruising, and delayed wound healing & round moon face all are signs & symptoms of skin that are more delicate also caused by steroid use.

 

Inhaled corticosteroids might cause the following side effects:

 There is a chance that a drug will have effects other than those that were meant. Even though some of these side effects are unlikely, patients should see a doctor right away if they do happen. When this medicine is used, there is a higher chance that the baby will get sepsis. Check with your doctor right away if you have any of the following rare side effects. Breathing difficulties, chest tightness, or wheezing

• Symptoms such as swollen cheeks, lips, or eyelids as a result of allergic reactions
• Using an inhaled corticosteroid may result in part of the medicine being swallowed rather than inhaled. As a result of this:
• Mouth infection caused by a fungus (oral thrush)

If you gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each puff of your corticosteroid inhaler, you may be able to avoid throat and mouth pain. Several studies have found that inhaled corticosteroid medicines may slow down the growth of asthmatic children.

Side effects of corticosteroids used on the skin:

Corticosteroids on the skin can make it thin and red and give it acne.

Side effects of corticosteroids that are injected:

Post-injection flare is a short-term problem when corticosteroids are injected into the skin near the injection site. It causes the skin to become thin, lose its color, and be very painful. High blood sugar can also cause your face to flush and keep you from sleeping. Most of the time, doctors only give corticosteroid injections three or four times a year, but it depends on each patient’s situation.

Pregnancy-related side effects of steroids:

 Antenatal corticosteroid therapy to improve fetal lung maturity is likely to cause adverse consequences in both the mother and the child. Premature ruptured membranes individuals are more likely to develop endometritis and chorioamnionitis as a result of several corticosteroid regimens. Once administered, corticosteroids raise maternal white blood cell counts and have metabolic effects such as raising plasma amino acid and fasting glucose concentrations. Antenatal corticosteroids have been shown to reduce fetal body and respiratory movements, as well as heart rate variability, without altering the Doppler waveform patterns of fetoplacental arteries. These are all negative consequences on the developing fetus. Corticosteroids may have a deleterious impact on the fetus’ intrauterine development and birth weight if they are given in large doses during pregnancy. A higher risk of early-onset newborn sepsis is linked to several courses.

If you have any of the following adverse effects, call your doctor right away.

• burning or pain while urinating,
• blood in urine, or frequent urge to urinate
• chest pain
• creamy white, curd-like patches in the mouth or throat and pain when eating or swallowing
• dizziness or sense of constant movement or surroundings
• a general feeling of discomfort or illness
• irregular or fast heartbeat
• itching, rash, or hives  sinus problems
• stomach or abdominal pain
• swelling of fingers, ankles, feet, or lower legs
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• weight gain

 

Side Effects of Steroids on Human The Body Which Occur Rarely

• Rectal bleeding or bloody stools
• Blurry vision or other changes in vision
• Diarrhea or feeling sick
• Getting dizzy or feeling dizzy
• fever
• a lot of urination or an unusual need to drink
• a child’s growth is slowed down
• Their blood pressure is too high.
• face, neck, and trunk have more fat than before
• a darker color to the skin
• Having nothing to eat
• menstrual changes
• a change in mood or mind
• numbness
• chest pain or burning
• vomiting

 

If you take this medicine for a long time, you might notice more side effects. If any of the following side effects happen, talk to your doctor

 

Most of the time, minor side effects don’t need medical treatment. When your body gets used to the medicine during treatment, these side effects may go away. You may also want to talk to your doctor about ways to avoid or lessen these side effects. You should talk to your doctor about any of the following side effects or worries: they may not go away or be a pain.

 More common:

• Cold-like symptoms
• Cough
• A dry throat or mouth
• Headache
• A sore throat, a hoarse voice, or a change in voice

Fewer or less common:

• Nosebleeds and
• Constipation
• Trouble in sleeping

Some patients may additionally have adverse effects that aren’t included here. Consult your physician if you have any other side effects.

Ways to reduce the likelihood of negative effects of corticosteroids:

 To maximize the benefits of corticosteroid drugs while minimizing the risks, follow these guidelines.

• Talking to your doctor about this will help you decide if you want to try a lower dose or doses at different times. There are different strengths and lengths of use for the newer corticosteroids. If you don’t want to take corticosteroids every day, talk to your doctor about taking them every other day instead.
• Talk to your doctor about switching to corticosteroids that you don’t take by mouth. If you inhale corticosteroids for asthma, for example, they go straight to the surface of your lungs. This means that the rest of your body doesn’t get as much of them, so you have fewer side effects.
• Talk to your doctor to find out if you need to add calcium and vitamin D to your diet. If corticosteroids are taken for a long time, they may weaken the bones (osteoporosis). Ask your doctor if you should take extra calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones healthy and strong.
• Be cautious while stopping treatment. In the long term, prolonged use of oral corticosteroids may reduce the number of natural steroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands. Your doctor may gradually decrease your dosage to allow your adrenal glands to recuperate this function. A sudden drop in dose might stress your adrenal glands, resulting in symptoms such as exhaustion and dizziness as well as bodily pains and lightheadedness.
• Make an appointment with your doctor on a regular basis. Regular checkups with your doctor are important if you’re on long-term corticosteroid medication.

Consider the advantages and disadvantages of using corticosteroids.

If you’re using a corticosteroid, you may notice some unpleasant side effects. However, they may also help alleviate the symptoms of a wide range of illnesses and ailments. Discuss the dangers and advantages of corticosteroids with your doctor in order to make an educated decision on your health.