Children Adverse side effects observed in children are similar to those observed in adults. On top of that, corticosteroids can cause long-term growth retardation in young children. Cortisone is often given to children on alternating days in order to limit adverse effects such as these. A child treated with corticosteroids may attend school [...]
Measures that do not involve specific drugs are also recommended Your doctor may prescribe a specific diet. It should not be too restrictive and will be adapted for each patient's specific case. Regular physical activity is highly recommended in order to limit the risk of muscle wasting, weight gain and osteoporosis caused by [...]
Inhaled corticosteroids Inhaled corticosteroids, while much better tolerated by patients compared to pills or injections, may also cause side effects when taken for several months at high doses. These effects can include cataracts, osteoporosis and adrenal insufficiency. However, these side effects are very rare. Moreover, when taken orally in the airways, corticosteroids can [...]
Weight and physical appearance Description: corticosteroids are known to frequently cause weight gain in patients. This gain is is usually moderate, consisting of 1 to 2 kilograms of added mass. In addition, corticosteroids enlarge certain aspects of the face. A "moon face" can result, meaning a large forehead and a large chin appear [...]
Topical corticosteroids Corticosteroids applied to the skin rarely induce adverse side effects, although certain ones have been observed during prolonged treatment with high doses of powerful forms of topical corticosteroids(e.g., cataract, diabetes...). Local side effects can also occur: fragility of the skin, difficulty healing cuts, spontaneous bruising caused by minor trauma and stretch [...]
Mood changes Description: mood changes caused by corticosteroids are usually minors (e.g. insomnia, anxiety, irritablity, short-term memory loss and difficulty concentrating). In very rare cases, severe symptoms do appear (e.g. depression, delusions, euphoria). Frequency : minor mood changes are commonplace. For example, 40 to 50% of patients reported insomnia, irritability or anxiety. Severe [...]
Bone side effects Description: skeletal complications upon being treated with corticosteroids therapy are generally of two main types: Ostéoporose Osteoporosis (= fragile bones). At later stages, osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures, including those of the vertebrae and the femur. Fractures of the vertebrae can occur after trauma or simply spontaneously [...]
Muscles and tendons Description: corticosteroids weaken muscles and tendons. Myopathy can affect patients in the form of muscle weakness and can become troublesome in everyday life (climbing stairs, lifting). Usually, there is no muscle pain. Cortisone can also weaken the tendons but symptoms are usually non-existent and cases of tendon rupture are rare. [...]
Infections Description: steroids weaken the immune system. Due to this, they can cure a wide range of diseases. However, this means that the patient has a greater risk of being infected. In general, all types of infections (bacterial, viral, parasitic, fungal) are more frequently observed in patients treated with corticosteroids. Infections can reach [...]
Ophtalmologic side effects Description: corticosteroids increase the risk of glaucoma (increased eye pressure) and cataract. These side effects may be asymptomatic or cause symptoms such as a decrease in visual acuity, pain in the eye and sensitivity to light. Frequency: complications of the eye are difficult to estimate. They depend on the duration [...]