Description Steroids are medica...
Description
Steroids are medications that reduce inflammation and are used to treat many diseases from asthma to arthritis. When they are taken on a long-term basis, problematic side effects can occur including: glaucoma, cataracts, high-blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, GERD, osteoporosis, muscle atrophy, increased infections, and Cushing syndrome.
Symptoms
Rapid relief from many inflammatory or allergic conditions. Side effects are euphoric reaction (happy feeling), labile (changeable) mood, tremor, blurry vision, lump on back, weight gain, weakness, fatigue, abdominal pain, a tendency to bruise.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Electrolytes are monitored by blood tests. Bone density testing can be done if steroid use has been needed for a long duration.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Family Practice, Pediatric Endocrinology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Electrolytes are monitored by blood tests. Bone density testing can be done if steroid use has been needed for a long duration.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Family Practice, Pediatric Endocrinology
Treatment
Long term steroids always need to be stopped gradually to allow the body's own system to begin producing steroids on its own. Patients who have be taking steroids for greater than 2-3 weeks and who become seriously ill or injured may need intravenous steroids to help them effectively recover. Specific treatment directed at the adverse effects of the steroid use will also be performed.