There are few medications that work to treat as many diseases and conditions as prednisone, a corticosteroid. However, in many cases, it is not a medication recommended for long-term use. It is important to speak with your physician before taking prednisone to make sure you are a good candidate for the medication, and so you are aware of the potential side effects. If you are wondering if this medication might be right for you, here is some information on the various conditions is can be used to treat.
Asthma and other respiratory diseases
Many serious respiratory diseases are caused by the narrowing of the bronchial tubes. These tubes carry air to and from the lungs, and if they are obstructed, breathing can become problematic. In many cases, the narrowing of these tubes is due to inflammation. Prednisone is an anti-inflammatory, so it can be used to treat these conditions by widening the airways. It is often used in emergency situations, such as an asthma attack, but can also be used to help people who suffer from respiratory diseases control their symptoms.
Arthritis Treatment
In the treatment of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis this medication is the one that is prescribed more frequently than any other. Arthritis symptoms can be very painful, and this drug can decrease the pain by reducing joint inflammation. It can be used as a long-term treatment to control the condition, or it can be used on occasion to treat a flare-up.
Cancer Treatment
When treating cancer, Prednisone is sometimes included due to the way that white blood cells are affected by the drug. For example, leukaemia is a blood cancer caused by an abnormal increase in white blood cells. Because this medication destroys these blood cells, it can be an effective treatment for leukaemia.
Treating Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease causes significant inflammation throughout the gastrointestinal system. By treating the inflammation with this corticosteroid, the painful symptoms associated with this disease are reduced. This is often used as part of a long-term treatment plan for Crohn’s disease.
Controlling Skin disorders
Skin diseases that are caused by inflammation under the skin can be treated with this medication; psoriasis and dermatitis are two examples. However, when treating a skin condition, this drug is not recommended for long-term use. It is important to discuss a long-term treatment plan with a physician.