Steroid Use
Description
Steroids are medications that reduce inflammation and are used to treat many diseases from asthma to arthritis. When they are taken chronically, adverse effects can occur including: glaucoma, cataracts, high-blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, GERD, osteoporosis, muscle atrophy, increased infections, and Cushing syndrome.
Symptoms
Blurry vision, lump on back, weight gain, weakness, fatigue, abdominal pain.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to detect the damage done by the steroids may be done.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Troponin
- EKG
Treatment
Long term steroid use needs 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.
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