Systemic steroids

Systemic corticosteroids are sometimes required to treat severe nasal and sinus inflammation. They may also shrink nasal polyps. Steroids are powerful medicines that are very good at reducing inflammation and mucus production in the airways. Corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids, used illegally by some athletes for bodybuilding, and do not affect the liver or cause sterility. Corticosteroids are similar to cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in the body.

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These medicines can be in pill or syrup form or can be injected into a muscle or vein.

Many side effects are possible, and include: cataract formation, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, mood changes, stomach irritation, bone loss (osteoporosis), vision change, and menstrual irregularities. These side effects are always possible when using systemic steroids but become more of a concern with long-term use.

If you have been taking steroids long term, do not stop your steroids abruptly. When a person takes high doses of steroids over a long time, the brain may decrease or stop cortisol production. As the control of your disease improves, or if serious side effects develop, your healthcare provider may decrease your steroid dose by tapering it to prevent "breakthrough" symptoms and to allow the adrenal glands to gradually take over cortisol production again. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions.

As your body adjusts to a lower steroid dose, you may notice some withdrawal side effects. These may include fatigue, weakness, depression, and muscle and joint pain. If any of the above symptoms are severe, notify your healthcare provider. The symptoms usually disappear within a few weeks or months.

If your steroid dose has recently been decreased or stopped and you have a serious illness, need surgery, or have been injured, you may require a short steroid burst. During this time, your adrenal glands may not be functioning at full capacity and cannot handle stress to the body. Inform all of your healthcare providers that you have been on steroid treatment.