Prednisone Uses

By: Angela Thompson

Break Studios Contributing Writer

While commonly known to treat allergic responses and respiratory ailments, medical research and development have caused prescription steroid Prednisone uses to grow and play an active role in many areas of health and wellness. From controlling common acute illnesses to short term roles in chronic treatment regiments, Prednisone is a diverse medication offering a wide range of beneficial, therapeutic uses.

Rheumatic disorders. Prednisone is commonly used to treat rheumatic medical conditions. Prednisone treats some of the painful inflammation of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and bursitis.

Lupus. Corticosteroids, including Prednisone, are prescribed to treat Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Prednisone helps to suppress the overly active immune response generally present in lupus sufferers—and treat some of the symptoms, such as anemia and fluid retention.

Allergic reactions and conditions. Corticosteroids help to suppress the immune system’s allergic response to conditions such as allergic dermatitis and allergen induced asthma. As such, allergic responses may last several days. A Prednisone regimen, tapering in dosage, may be required for several days.

Skin disorders. As with treating other conditions, the anti-inflammatory and immune suppressive properties of Prednisone make it useful in the treatment of certain skin conditions. As itching, swelling, and rashes are common to skin conditions such as Psoriasis or Seborrhea; treatment with Prednisone is sometimes prescribed to alleviate discomfort.

Certain eye disorders. Prednisone is used to treat certain inflammatory eye disorders such as optic neuritis or herpes eye infections. Because the side effects of prednisone may sometimes outweigh the benefit in eye care, treatment periods are brief.

Respiratory conditions. As an anti-inflammatory, Prednisone helps in reducing airway constriction associated with respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, or tuberculosis. Long term Prednisone therapy may be required for certain chronic respiratory conditions.

Blood disorders. Prednisone is sometimes used to treat blood disorders such as anemia or low blood platelet conditions. These conditions are often caused by immune responses and Prednisone helps suppress and return the immune system to a more normal state.

Certain cancer symptoms. Prednisone is used to treat some cancer symptoms caused by immune system responses during lymphoma or leukemia therapy. Again, since Prednisone helps suppress the immune response, it helps remedy the effects of heightened immune response.

Gastrointestinal disease. Prednisone is sometimes used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Again—Prednisone is useful therapeutically in these conditions because of its anti-inflammatory and immune suppressive qualities.

Neurological conditions. Research continues to grow and develop in areas of neurological treatment. Prednisone has become useful in the treatment of attacks associated with Multiple Sclerosis. Because long term use may cause adverse side effects, Prednisone is generally used for short term MS therapy.

Posted on: Apr. 06, 2011