The Dangers of Utilizing Steroids for Respiratory Infections

In an interview, Dr. Dvorin that while steroids can make people euphoric, they can also “make some people feel pretty bad by causing anxiety, nervousness and manic behavior”. In people with pre-existing psychosis, short-term steroid shots can trigger a psychotic episode, said Dr. McCoul.

Drs. Dvorin and Ebell wrote, “Doctors might assume that short-term steroids are harmless and free from the well-known long-term effects of steroids. However, even short systemic corticosteroids are associated with many possible side effects. “(” Systemic “refers to both oral and injected steroids as opposed to topical application to the skin.)

In addition, there is no credible evidence to justify such risks when treating a condition like a cold or sinus infection, doctors in Michigan found. When prescribing treatment, it is the doctor’s responsibility to first weigh the expected benefits against possible risks. Drs. Wallace and Waljee reported that “Corticosteroid bursts are often prescribed for self-limited conditions in which no benefit has been demonstrated”. At the top of the list of such inappropriate steroid uses are acute respiratory infections, which usually go away within a week or two without specific treatment.

As with antibiotics and opiates, the short-term use of injected or oral steroids “has well-defined indications, but with little use – as is often the case – with little evidence of benefit” can cause net damage.

In Louisiana, where Dr. McCoul practices that steroid intake is shockingly common in upper respiratory infections, he said. “Patients can go to emergency care five or six times a year to get a steroid shot.” Although the drugs are not addicting themselves, getting these shots is “like a behavioral addiction,” he said.

“It is a ubiquitous practice that has virtually no evidence of benefit,” added Dr. McCoul added. “It is important for the public to understand that most upper respiratory infections are self-limiting. No intervention is required. They resolve on their own if you don’t seek care. “

However, when patients go to the doctor they expect something to happen, and doctors are often happy to be willing to do so. They are reimbursed by insurance when they give an injection, but not when they give patients a prescription for oral steroids.

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