Taking Prednisone: The Pros and Cons of This Natural Steroid

Prednisone is a corticosteroid that is similar to a natural steroid, cortisone that is made by the adrenal glands in the body. It is a synthetic hormone that is used when the body fails to produce enough of its own steroids that are necessary for normal functioning of the body. It is used in reducing inflammation, preventing organ transplant rejection, and treating a wide range of diseases and conditions.

It is primarily used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system and is effective in treating autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases are those in which the immune system attacks its own body and destroys healthy tissue. Suppressing the immune system by using steroids such as prednisone is useful in relieving the symptoms of these diseases. Examples of autoimmune diseases include ulcerative colitis, Crohn's Disease, rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, type I diabetes, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and lupus. It is also used in treating certain types of cancer and in some cases in conjunction with antibiotics to treat pneumonia in patients who have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When used in organ transplant patients, prednisone hinders the body's normal inflammatory response. When something foreign is introduced into the body its normal reaction is to eradicate this material. Prednisone stops this process.

Prednisone has many benefits and has helped countless patients find relief from the symptoms of their diseases. But prednisone also has it downsides. Although it is helpful in treating a wide range of conditions it comes with several negative side effects. First, the body can develop a tolerance for prednisone if it is taken for long periods of time. Suddenly stopping prednisone can cause withdrawal symptoms. Some of these symptoms may include upset stomach, decreased appetite and weight loss, sores in the mouth, weakness, and slowed movements. Some of these side effects can become fatal so it is very important to wean off of prednisone under the supervision of a physician.