Hormones produced by the adrenal gland are called corticosteroids. They are an essential element of metabolism in the body and have a direct impact on immune response and coping with inflammatory processes and physiological stress.
Corticosteroids are synthetic analogues of these hormones and are widely used in medicine as anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic drugs as well as immunosuppressants. Their use is very strict, due to the serious side effects associated with their use, especially at longer intervals. In order to minimize their negative effect, good practice is state-of-the-art, prescribing medications with the least side effect possible to achieve the desired effect.
Despite some severe side effects, corticosteroids are indispensable in the treatment of severe allergic and shock conditions, otherwise difficultly influenced inflammatory processes, autoimmune diseases, and as a method of suppressing the organ immune response after transplantation.
It is important to know that long-term use of corticosteroids may lead to certain side effects, which, however, can be maintained.
Here are some of the most common side effects:
Changes in body's response to physical stress (Adrenal insufficiency)
When taking corticosteroids for more than 2 weeks, it is possible to disrupt the natural function of the adrenal glands and thus reduce the body's ability to react to physical stress. This may last up to one year after discontinuation of the medication. During this time, if you happen to have a surgical intervention, become seriously ill, or experience a severe trauma, your body may not respond adequately and need a new corticosteroid intake so you can recover. If you have had to take corticosteroids for the past two years, you should be warned by your doctor or dentist. This is especially true if you are going to have a surgical intervention, a severe dental procedure, or have a serious infection.
Withdrawal syndrome
When spontaneously stopping corticosteroids, you may experience so-called Withdrawal symptoms - fatigue, joint pain, muscular rigidity and tension or fever. It is common practice for corticosteroids to be stopped gradually on a schedule made by your doctor. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms in order to adjust the decreasing dose.
Weight gain
By affecting metabolism, steroids can increase your appetite and lead to excessive fat accumulation in the abdomen and around the internal organs. To avoid excessive accumulation of extra pounds, monitor your calorie intake. Your weight gain will occur within six months, up to one year after stopping the intake of the medicine.
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