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Uses and side effects of steroids

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corticosteroids AND adverse effects

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NHS corticosteroids side effects uses official

“Steroids” can mean two very different groups:

1. Corticosteroids

Examples: prednisolone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, budesonide, inhaled beclometasone.
Uses
  • Reduce inflammation and swelling
  • Treat asthma and COPD flare-ups
  • Severe allergies and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease
  • Skin inflammation, such as eczema and dermatitis
  • Prevent rejection after organ transplant
  • Some cancers and brain swelling
  • Replace deficient cortisol in adrenal insufficiency
Side effects These depend on dose, duration, and route. Short courses often cause temporary effects such as:
  • Increased appetite, indigestion, mood changes, insomnia
  • Raised blood glucose and blood pressure
  • Fluid retention and weight gain
  • Higher susceptibility to infections
Long-term or high-dose systemic use can cause:
  • Thin skin, easy bruising, slow wound healing, acne
  • Osteoporosis and fractures
  • Muscle weakness
  • Cataracts or glaucoma
  • Diabetes, hypertension
  • Cushingoid appearance, including facial rounding and central weight gain
  • Adrenal suppression: the body reduces its own cortisol production
  • Anxiety, depression, mania, or rarely psychosis
Inhaled steroids can cause hoarseness and oral thrush. Rinse the mouth after use. Strong topical steroids used excessively can thin the skin and, rarely, be absorbed enough to cause systemic effects.
Safety: Do not abruptly stop oral or injected steroids after prolonged or repeated use. The dose may need gradual reduction under clinician guidance because sudden withdrawal can trigger dangerous adrenal insufficiency. Recent reviews also support monitoring for psychiatric effects and adverse effects even with some short systemic courses.

2. Anabolic-androgenic steroids

Examples: testosterone derivatives sometimes misused for bodybuilding or athletic performance.
Legitimate uses
  • Testosterone replacement for confirmed hypogonadism
  • Selected cases of severe muscle wasting or specific hormone-related conditions
Risks and side effects, especially without medical supervision
  • Acne, hair loss, breast enlargement in males
  • Reduced sperm production, testicular shrinkage, infertility
  • Menstrual disruption, facial hair, voice deepening in females, some changes may be permanent
  • Liver injury, particularly with oral agents
  • High blood pressure, adverse cholesterol changes, heart attack or stroke risk
  • Mood changes, irritability, aggression, depression, dependence
  • Premature closure of growth plates in adolescents, causing reduced adult height
Only use any steroid as prescribed. Seek prompt medical help for fever or severe infection, black stools or vomiting blood, severe mood/behavior changes, visual symptoms, chest pain, or sudden shortness of breath.
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