Conditions that Prednisone Treats

Corticosteroids are versatile medications that are used to treat a variety of diseases and disorders. The primary condition the medication is intended to treat is inflammation which is the underlying cause of many medical diagnoses. Because of the different ways it can be applied, a corticosteroid is the ideal treatment for a wide spectrum of conditions.

Patients can take tablets to treat pain caused by inflammation. The medication can also be dispensed through an inhaler or applied topically. When injected, it effectively treats a specific area to reduce inflammation and swelling. And this medication can be used to treat multiple conditions in an individual patient.

Uses in Adults

Common uses of corticosteroids include treatment for autoimmune disorders such as asthma, allergies, and even arthritis. It has successfully been used to treat Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Another typical application is as a primary treatment for multiple sclerosis. It is often included in the treatment regimen for organ transplant patients to prevent rejection of the new organ. Lupus patients also benefit from using this drug.

Neurologists are using the medication to treat cluster and migraine headaches in patients with chronic pain conditions. And dermatologists use the drug topically to treat conditions such as psoriasis and other skin disorders. It is also used to treat tuberculosis and pneumonia.

Corticosteroids can be used as antitumor medications. They are generally given in combination with anticancer drugs to patients diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphomas, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and Hodgkin's lymphoma as well as other tumors that are sensitive to hormones.

Uses in Children

Children who experience any of the conditions described above can be treated with corticosteroids as long as a doctor closely supervises the treatment. These drugs have been used for years to treat similar disorders in children with no additional counter indications beyond those for adults. Doctors can safely use this medication in smaller doses to treat children.

If you have an endocrine, rheumatic, respiratory, or dermatological disorder with an underlying inflammation condition, Prednisone may be the appropriate treatment for you. The same holds true for certain gastrointestinal and autoimmune conditions. Basically, any condition that involves inflammation and the immune system may be treated with this particular medication.

The list of uses for Prednisone is continuously growing as the FDA approves new applications of the drug. If you think this medication might help your condition, consult with your doctor. They can determine the best way to integrate Prednisone into your current treatment regimen.