Wednesday, August 14, 2013

What Is Cortisone and When Is It Used?


Cortisone is a part of medicines categorized as corticosteroids which is described as medicines that can reduce tumor growths, stimulate appetite for food, and treat skin rashes, nausea and vomiting, inflammation, allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, and the accumulation of fluids in the brain. Cortisone is a white crystalline powder that can be naturally formed in the cortex of the adrenal gland but may also be produced synthetically. This substance is insoluble in water, stable in gas, and is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Cortisone is primarily used because of its powerful anti-inflammatory effects in various organs and systems of the body. It is also able to be of great help in improving the body's immune system against many stimuli. All in all, cortisone is used in treating the following conditions:

1. Endocrine disorders-Cortisone, along with hydrocortisone is always the first choice in treating primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiencies, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, non-suppurative thyroiditis, and hypercalcemia which is a condition associated with cancer.

2. Rheumatic disorders-Cortisone is used to prevent the patient from having acute episodes or exacerbation during rheumatic disorders such as: psoriatic arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute and subacute bursitis, acute non-specific tenosynovitis, acute gouty arthritis, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, synovitis of osteoarthritis, and epicondylitis.

3. Collagen diseases-Cortisone is used during exacerbation and also as a maintenance medicine in cases such as: systemic lupus erythematosus, acute rheumatic carditis, systemic dermatomyositis.

4. Dermatologic conditions-Cortisone is also used in conditions of the skin such as pemphigus, bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, severe erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), exfoliative dermatitis, mycosis fungoides. severe psoriasis, severe seborrheic dermatitis.

5. Allergic reactions-Cortisone may also be used to control allergic states such as: seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, serum sickness, drug hypersensitivity reactions.

6. Respiratory diseases-Cortisone may also be taken by people with Loeffler's syndrome not manageable by other means, berylliosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, aspiration pneumonitis.

These conditions, among others are usually prescribed with cortisone, and can be in pills or tablets. This list does not include all conditions where in cortisone might help. It is still best to consult your health care provider before consumption.

It's important to note that cortisone is a drug and therefore can have side effects. These can become especially prevalent when it is used for lengthy periods of time. Risks include constipation, a weakening of blood vessels and a lowering of bone density. It's recommended that you consult a doctor to ensure you are fully informed about the risks.

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