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What are the Uses for Prednisone?

Donn Saylor
Donn Saylor

The most common uses for prednisone are for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, blood and skin disorders, allergies, asthma, and to lessen the effects of certain kinds of cancer. The drug is a corticosteroid, a type of synthetic steroid hormone. It functions by suppressing the immune system suppression and as an anti-inflammatory.

The adrenal glands create a hormone that is comparable in makeup to the properties of prednisone. The drug mirrors the way the naturally occurring corticosteroid operates and affects the system in the same way. Corticosteroids of this variety can have a powerful effect on many different areas of the body and on numerous medical conditions.

Prednisone tablets can have many effects on the body, but are most commonly used for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Prednisone tablets can have many effects on the body, but are most commonly used for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Arthritis is among the most common uses for prednisone. The anti-inflammatory capabilities of the drug target the inflamed area and reduce swelling and discomfort. Prednisone often allows those crippled by arthritis to move around with much more freedom and ease.

Other uses for prednisone include the treatment of several disorders of the blood and skin. Autoimmune disorders like psoriasis, which cause irritated skin, redness, and swelling, have been shown to be greatly improved with prednisone. If the skin has an allergic response to an external stimulus, usually in the form of a rash, prednisone can be an extremely effective treatment. Blood diseases like anemia benefit from prednisone as well.

Prednisone can be used to treat chronic bronchitis.
Prednisone can be used to treat chronic bronchitis.

Individuals with asthma suffer chronic inflammation of the body's airways. Given prednisone's powers at combating inflammation, the drug is often prescribed to treat asthma and relax the airways. This helps the afflicted individual breathe clearer and with greater ease and may also be prescribed for chronic bronchial conditions like bronchitis.

The symptoms of cancers like lymphoma and leukemia can present uses for prednisone. Prednisone is widely utilized as an agent in chemotherapy. It helps relieve the painful indications of both the cancer itself and the chemotherapy process.

Prednisone can be effective in treating psoriasis.
Prednisone can be effective in treating psoriasis.

Prednisone has several documented side effects, regardless of the reason the patient is taking the drug. Stomach problems, headache, and sleeplessness are some of the most prevalent. There are more serious side effects as well, though they are rare. These include skin rash, swelling, weakness of the muscles, unusually dark stools or vomit, pain in the bones, or colds that last longer than a normal duration. Some patients may be prescribed prednisone for a lengthy period of time; in these cases, doctors stress the importance of weaning off the medication gradually to avoid any exacerbated side effects.

Discussion Comments

ysmina

I'm on prednisone for an autoimmune disease called Besnier-Boeck. It's also called sarcoidosis and it causes nodules in my lymph nodes. I have chronic aches and fatigue from the disease.

Prednisone is definitely working. I've been on it for a while now along with a few other medications and my doctor said that my nodules have gotten smaller. The only downside to prednisone is the side effects. It gives me edema and increases my appetite. I've already gained a few pounds on it and I feel swollen.

stoneMason

@fBoyle-- Yes, prednisone is prescribed for Crohn's disease. Prednisone has many uses. It's also prescribed for ulcerative colitis. It's effective against inflammation in the stomach and colon. It's not a medication that's used for a long time though. It's usually prescribed when Crohn's symptoms are severe and I think treatment lasts several months at most.

My dad used prednisone for ulcerative colitis and it made a huge difference for him. It reduced his pain and cramps considerably.

fBoyle

Is anyone using prednisone for Crohn's disease?

My doctor just prescribed it to me and I can't seem to find much information on it. I'm not sure if this is a common treatment for Crohn's or not.

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    • Prednisone tablets can have many effects on the body, but are most commonly used for their anti-inflammatory properties.
      By: Thirteen Of Clubs
      Prednisone tablets can have many effects on the body, but are most commonly used for their anti-inflammatory properties.
    • Prednisone can be used to treat chronic bronchitis.
      By: rob3000
      Prednisone can be used to treat chronic bronchitis.
    • Prednisone can be effective in treating psoriasis.
      By: Farina3000
      Prednisone can be effective in treating psoriasis.
    • Prednisone may be used to help severe allergies or hay fever.
      By: FedeCandoniPhoto
      Prednisone may be used to help severe allergies or hay fever.
    • Because prednisone can affect the adrenal glands' production of cortisol, stopping the drug can cause adrenal insufficiency.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      Because prednisone can affect the adrenal glands' production of cortisol, stopping the drug can cause adrenal insufficiency.
    • Taking corticosteroids may cause high blood pressure.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Taking corticosteroids may cause high blood pressure.