Shock therapy with cortisone
Cortisone shock therapy means that very high doses of cortisone are administered over a period of several days. In classic cortisone shock therapy these are usually 1000 grams of methylpredisolone. Prednisolone is an active substance from the same group of drugs as cortisone.
This type of cortisone shock therapy is used, for example, in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. But also lower doses of cortisone derivatives that are administered over a few days can be called shock therapy in a broader sense. Indications here are for example lung diseases, rheumatic diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases of the intestine such as Crohn’s disease or allergic skin diseases.
In the first few days, doses such as 100 mg prednisolone are usually used. In the following days the dose is then reduced relatively quickly and then either discontinued completely or continued at a very low dose. Although cortisone preparations cause numerous side effects with longer use, they are relatively well tolerated with short use, even in high doses. However, they may cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and agitation. Such side effects are possible, especially at very high doses.
Side effects
The occurrence of side effects and their severity are strongly dependent on the type of your disease, the duration of treatment, the glucocorticoid chosen for therapy and the required dosage. However, they can usually be treated well. The nature of the side effects is usually closely linked to the actual function of cortisone in the body.
The following side effects have been observed in connection with glucocorticoid therapy: Possible side effects with internal (systemic) application: Side effects when using inhalers: Side effects when used on the skin: Side effects when used on the eye: For long-term high-dose application please consult an ophthalmologist occasionally. Side effects when injected into joints (intra-articular injection) e.g. knee arthrosis, back pain, facet syndrome and on tendons and ligaments e.g. tennis elbow, heel spur:
- Sleep disorders, nervousness, mood swings
- Headaches
- Increased blood sugar level, diabetes: Cortisone promotes the breakdown of body reserves to blood sugar.
Sometimes the pancreas is overstrained and cannot provide enough insulin to break down blood sugar. Therefore, pay attention to increased thirst and urge to urinate and consult your doctor if necessary! – Weight gain: Long-term use may increase appetite.
To prevent weight gain, pay attention to your weight and a balanced diet. – Osteoporosis: You can prevent osteoporosis by eating a calcium-rich diet. In the case of long-term cortisone therapy, the additional intake of calcium tablets and vitamin D3 is recommended.
- Increased susceptibility to infection
- Peptic ulcers
- Hoarseness
- Infections: Long-term use of inhalers can lead to fungal and/or bacterial infections in the mouth and throat. As a preventive measure, you should rinse your mouth after using an inhalation spray. – the skin layer becomes thinner and more sensitive (skin atrophy)
- Small blood vessels directly under the skin expand and become visible (telangiectasia)
- Steroid acne, similar to common acne
- Delayed wound healing
- Mild eyestrain
- Veil vision
- Increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma)
- Cornea becomes thinner
- Cataract
- Feeling of pressure in the injection site
- Injury to nerves and vessels caused by the injection
- Injury to ligaments and tendons (risk of tearing)
- Development of an infection in the treated joint
