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Health care information for sinusitis sufferers |
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Health care information for sinusitis sufferers |
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Treatment OptionsMedical Treatment OptionsAntibiotics | Antihistamines | Decongestants | Leukotrinenes | MucolyticsNasal Saline Irrigation and Steam Inhalation | Reflux Medications | Steroids Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication Steroids Corticosteroid medications have been used for more than 50 years to treat asthma and allergic reactions. When used properly and under a doctor's supervision, they are among the safest and most effective therapies for inflammation of the sinuses. There are two kinds of steroids: 1) Anabolic steroids, sometimes used by athletes to build muscle mass and enhance performance, and 2) glucocorticosteroids, used by physicians to treat inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, asthma and allergies. Glucocorticosteroids are structurally similar to the steroids the body produces every day and do not cause the effects seen with anabolic steroids. Glucocorticosteroids may be given systemically (by pill, syrup, or injection) and locally (creams and ointments, nasal sprays, or inhalers). Doctors usually prescribe steroids that can be administered locally since this greatly reduces the likelihood of side effects. Serious flare-ups of allergies and asthma, however, occasionally require systemic (by mouth or IV) steroids. Inflammation is the hallmark of most allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, nasal polyps, atopic dermatitis, and hives. Inflammation causes redness, swelling, itching, and burning. In the nose and lungs, it also causes mucus production. Medications that reduce this process are termed anti-inflammatory. Corticosteroids are among the most effective anti-inflammatory medications available today. Corticosteroids administered by pill, syrup, or injection reach the blood stream and can cause systemic side effects like fluid retention, increased appetite, weight gain, upset stomach, increased blood sugar, increased blood pressure, increased eye pressure, mood swings, and sleep disturbance. Side effects gradually disappear once the steroids are tapered or stopped. There are no lasting effects of short courses of steroids to control flare-ups of allergies or asthma. The only exception is an extremely rare complication of the hip that is marked by progressive and rather intense hip pain. People who require systemic steroids on a fairly regular basis (daily or every other day) are at risk for additional side effects. These include reduced growth (in children), loss of bone density (osteoporosis), and increased risk of cataracts. In general, inhaled and topical steroids are very well tolerated. As with any medication, there is the potential for side effects. Most side effects occur at the site of application. For example, steroid creams, especially those of higher potency, may cause thinning of the skin in areas where they are used repeatedly. Steroid nasal sprays may occasionally cause nasal irritation or bleeding, and in this case should be temporarily discontinued. Steroid inhalers for asthma sometimes cause irritation of the throat, hoarseness, or thrush. To minimize risk, be sure to rinse thoroughly or gargle after inhalation sessions. A plastic spacer can also decrease the risk of irritation by increasing the percentage of the dose inhaled into the airways and at the same time reducing the amount absorbed into the body. Email This Article To A Friend Printer-friendly Version Find an ENT Professional Near You
THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR DOCTOR OR 911 IMMEDIATELY. All articles and graphics copyright ©2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 Medtronic, Inc. All rights reserved. Version 2.0 This web page was first published on April 30, 2002, and was last updated on June 14, 2006. |
