Side effects with systemic administration
There are hardly any known strong side effects with short-term use today, as cortisone can be dosed well today. In some cases this may lead to intolerances. Since cortisone causes a weakening of the body’s own defence system, long-term therapy can lead to increased infections.
These can also include fungal infections in the oral cavity. Strong side effects usually only occur in weakened children with a strong long-term therapy in the context of rheumatic diseases and cancer therapies. It can lead to trunk obesity and a moon face with simultaneous emaciation of the legs and arms.
Furthermore, brittle bones can be caused by osteoporosis. Especially in children, growth disorders also occur. The development of diabetes and high blood pressure is also possible through the administration of cortisone.
Side effects cannot be completely avoided even with very strictly controlled dosage. Strong side effects usually only occur in weakened children with a strong long-term therapy in the context of rheumatic diseases and cancer therapies. A trunk obesity and a moon face can occur with simultaneous emaciation of the legs and arms.
Furthermore, brittle bones can be caused by osteoporosis. Especially in children, growth disorders also occur. The development of diabetes and high blood pressure is also possible through the administration of cortisone. Side effects cannot be completely avoided even with very strictly controlled dosage.
Side effects with local therapy
When using ointments with cortisol, the skin usually only becomes translucent and thin as today’s cortisone preparations are very low-dosed. Higher doses may lead to an absorption of cortisone into the blood, which may lead to the systemic side effects described above. The use of nasal sprays is also associated with possible side effects.
Since, as with the ointment, the skin can become thin, children can get nosebleeds. Children often also describe headaches in the context of cortisone therapy. Furthermore, the children can get local fungal infections or ulcers due to the weakening of the immune system.
Increased respiratory infections are also possible. In rare cases, damage to the nasal mucosa with changes in the perception of smell and taste can occur. Cataracts with impaired vision are also a rather rare side effect. Side effects can occur more frequently in children who are already immunocompromised due to a previous illness.
Why should cortisone be given as recommended?
Cortisone therapy can be useful for children who suffer repeatedly from inflammatory diseases. If the paediatrician recommends therapy with cortisone, this should not be discontinued on its own but the doctor should be contacted if side effects occur. Especially in the case of systemic therapy in the context of serious diseases, the cortisone administration should correspond exactly to the dosage scheme of the treating paediatrician. In the case of acute administration of ointments or suppositories, a plan can be agreed with the doctor beforehand under which conditions the parents should or can fall back on the cortisone. If there are any concerns, these should be addressed openly so that a joint therapy plan can be worked out which can then be implemented by the parents and children.
