About the Treatment Method
Cortisone Use and Side Effect Management
Cortisone drugs cause the kidneys to retain sodium (salt). Because salt also retains water in the body, swelling (especially a "moon face" appearance) caused by "edema" occurs in the person. In addition, because it seriously increases appetite, the patient eats more. For this reason, it is mandatory to follow a "Salt-free, Sugar-free, and Carbohydrate-free" diet while using cortisone.
Yes, in very high doses and in uses lasting for months (long-term), it can disrupt calcium absorption in the bones and lead to osteoporosis (bone loss). Because doctors know this risk, they usually give calcium and vitamin D supplements to patients receiving long-term cortisone.
When cortisone is taken from the outside for a long time, the body (adrenal glands) stops its own production, thinking "it's coming ready-made anyway". If you stop the drug suddenly, the body will suddenly be left without hormones and go into shock. Cortisone must absolutely be stopped gradually (by reducing the dose) according to the schedule determined by the doctor.
No. The cortisone in sprays used for asthma or allergic rhinitis is "local" (only going to the airway) cortisone. Its rate of mixing into the blood and the whole body is at the level of one in a million; therefore, it does not cause weight gain or systemic side effects like pill or injection forms.
The information on this page is for general health advice. Please consult specialized physicians for personalized treatment or advice.
