Steroids: Uses, Side Effects & Myths

Q) What are cortico-steroid medications?

A) Cortico-steroids (or just steroids) are a type of medication that are man-made versions of steroid hormones produced mainly by the adrenal glands. Natural steroid hormones are released in our body as a response to stress (both physical and mental), and play a crucial role in maintaining normal functions.

Q) What diseases are treated by steroids?

A) For many decades now, steroids have been widely used in medicine for treating various conditions ranging from allergies, asthma, skin conditions, rheumatoid diseases, nerve damage, joint and muscle inflammatory conditions to severe infections, severe forms of TB, and septic shock. For the later conditions, steroids can be life saving. They are also used as replacement therapy when body's own production falls short owing to various diseases, and are crucial after organ transplant to prevent rejection. 

Q) What are the names of common steroids used?

A) Steroid medications are available as oral tablets, injections, inhaler medications, and as ointments for local application. Commonly, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, deflazacort, fludricortisone, budesonide, betamethasone, and mometasone are used.

Q) What are the side effects of steroid usage? 

A) Inhalational and local application steroids usually do not cause much systemic side effects as only miniscule quantities reaches blood stream. A short course of oral or injectable steroids (< 7-10 days) also causes no significant side-effects in most, except for manageable elevation of blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Long term usage or frequent use of moderate to high-dose steroids may cause side-effects such as pimples, skin discolouration and bruising, generalized weakness, weight gain, loss of muscle mass, weakening of bones (osteoporosis), increased irritability and mood changes, sleeplessness, uncontrolled blood sugar levels, and increased susceptibility to infections due to suppression of immunity.

But it is to be understood that doctors use steroids in controlled doses to help manage many debilitating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, interstitial lung diseases, flare-up of asthma etc., or to prevent permanent organ damage, or even mortality. An expert doctor is the best judge to decide when and how to use steroids. Using steroids without a doctor's advice and prescription is to be strictly avoided.

Q) Do steroids cause addiction?

A) No, they do not cause any addiction. It is only a myth surrounding steroid usage.

Q) Can cortico-steroids help in muscle building?

A) No, cortico-steroids do not help in muscle building. Anabolic steroids are a different class from cortico-steroids. Anabolic steroids are derived from male hormone testosterone, and are sometimes illegally used by body builders and sportspersons as performance enhancers. They may lead to many untoward effects and are best avoided, except on an expert doctor's advice for treating specific conditions.