Steroids
OVERVIEW: Steroids are used to help decrease the inflammation in the body and decrease the activity of your immune system. This is not used as a maintenance therapy. Although steroids often work very well to control symptoms, they do have some side effects that can be less desirable (which is why we prefer nutritional therapy when possible). Prednisone affects all symptoms of the body while budesonide targets specifically the digestive tract.
WHEN DO WE USE IT: It can be used initially at the time of diagnosis to get symptoms under control or to control a disease flare up. Steroids can be used for both Cronh's and Ulcerative Colitis.
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HOW IT'S USED: It's an oral medication used daily for several weeks.
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DURATION OF TREATMENT: It can be used to induce and maintain remission, so it can be used for a prolonged period of time.
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TYPES OF STEROIDS: Prednisone, Budesonide
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SIDE EFFECTS:
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Weight gain
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Increased appetite
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“Moon-shaped” face
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Acne
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Striae (stretch marks)
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Moodiness
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Bone loss
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Increased blood pressure.
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