Catabolic steroids, like cortisone and prednisone, are used to reduce swelling and treat autoimmune diseases or severe asthma. They have side effects, including muscle tissue destruction and changes in appetite, weight gain, water retention, diabetes, and mood. Short-term use is recommended.
Catabolic steroids, often called corticosteroids, are used in a variety of medical applications. They are often confused with anabolic steroids, which are used to build muscle mass. In fact, they have the opposite effect, breaking down muscle mass. They are often used to reduce significant swelling and to treat autoimmune diseases or severe asthma.
One of the most common catabolic steroids is cortisone. This can be injected at the sight of a soft tissue injury to reduce pain and swelling. Cortisone skin creams can be applied to reduce swelling, itching, and inflammation associated with skin conditions, nasty insect bites, or severe reactions to poison oak.
Prednisone is another common catabolic steroid, which is often used over long periods of time to reduce the symptoms of autoimmune conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Prednisone is thought to reduce swelling in affected joints and soft tissue and usually reduces some symptoms associated with these diseases. It also speeds up healing from infections.
Prednisone and similar steroids can also be used for short periods of time to reduce swelling caused by injury or a temporary condition, such as a severe skin allergy. It is also used in some cases to minimize swelling from concussion, or it can be used to help someone quickly resolve a case of antibiotic-resistant pneumonia or bronchitis.
Other types of catabolic steroids are now routinely used in the treatment of severe allergies. Products like Nasonex® and Rhinocort® both reduce allergic nasal reactions during allergy season. These products are inhaled directly into the sinuses, so they are specific to a certain area of the body. They are often thought to be a better alternative than using oral steroids such as prednisone, as they only affect the intended area of the body.
Other medications of this type that are specific to the condition include products like Restasis®, which relieves chronic dry eye. Products such as Pulmocort® can be inhaled as an asthma preventative, replacing oral steroids for those with severe asthma.
Catabolic steroids have some known side effects. Because they can destroy muscle tissue, constant use of oral steroids can have serious effects on the intestinal tract. Such drugs as prednisone can also cause changes in appetite, weight gain, water retention, diabetes and mood changes if doses are high. Mood changes may be especially noticeable when on a short-term regimen of medications such as prednisone.
Condition-specific medications such as Restasis® have been linked to permanent and irreparable damage to the retinas, as have oral steroids. Although oral steroids are often the first line of treatment for certain conditions such as asthma and allergies, one should consider the risk versus the benefit before using any catabolic steroid for extended periods of time. Short-term use may provide short-term side effects but is unlikely to cause permanent damage to the body.
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