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What Are The Side Effects Of Long Term Usage Of Corticosteriods?

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Posted on Mon, 1 Dec 2014
Question: I am 43, female and have developed allergic conjunctivitis, which began flaring up 3 years ago. Pataday and steroid eyedrops do not seem to give me much relief, however oral steroids like Prednisone do. I realize I cannot take oral steroids or eyedrops long term. Is there anything else I should ask my Dr. to look at? I'm seen by both and allergist and optomologist for this.
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Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Limited options, but discuss details on possible allergen

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I am sure you have been informed about the ill-effects of using corticosteroids. For this reason we have to approach using all the other medications in a most appropriate and sufficient manner along with the various precautions, for your reference let me list all of the available options for you:

+Mast cell stabilizers: Lodoxamide, olopatadine (pataday), ketotifen, etc.
+Antihistamines: Azelastine, bepotastine besilate, epinastine, etc.
+Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Like ketorolac
+But the main approach is prevention of the allergen, which is the cause for the episodes of allergic conjunctivitis. For this I would recommend a visit to your allergist and to conduct and elaborate evaluation to find the allergen. Once the allergen is found, simply avoiding it can help to prevent the condition entirely.

Please understand that if you are not experiencing a relief with the medications prescribed, request you doctor to substitute them with other medications from the same group (as mentioned in my information on the medications that can help). And also request your doctor to help find the allergen. Along with this I would request you step up personal and general hygiene a little (I am sure you are already at your best, but it my duty to inform you). The reason why I speak about general hygiene is because at times the allergen an be avoided by simply washing your hands regularly, etc.

I hope you find my response helpful ma'am. I am sorry if our treatment options are limited, unfortunately there is nothing more available on the topic. But from my experience, the only thing that really helps is to avoid the allergen so please discuss this in detail with your allergist.

Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

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What Are The Side Effects Of Long Term Usage Of Corticosteriods?

Brief Answer: Limited options, but discuss details on possible allergen Detailed Answer: Hello ma'am and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I am sure you have been informed about the ill-effects of using corticosteroids. For this reason we have to approach using all the other medications in a most appropriate and sufficient manner along with the various precautions, for your reference let me list all of the available options for you: +Mast cell stabilizers: Lodoxamide, olopatadine (pataday), ketotifen, etc. +Antihistamines: Azelastine, bepotastine besilate, epinastine, etc. +Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Like ketorolac +But the main approach is prevention of the allergen, which is the cause for the episodes of allergic conjunctivitis. For this I would recommend a visit to your allergist and to conduct and elaborate evaluation to find the allergen. Once the allergen is found, simply avoiding it can help to prevent the condition entirely. Please understand that if you are not experiencing a relief with the medications prescribed, request you doctor to substitute them with other medications from the same group (as mentioned in my information on the medications that can help). And also request your doctor to help find the allergen. Along with this I would request you step up personal and general hygiene a little (I am sure you are already at your best, but it my duty to inform you). The reason why I speak about general hygiene is because at times the allergen an be avoided by simply washing your hands regularly, etc. I hope you find my response helpful ma'am. I am sorry if our treatment options are limited, unfortunately there is nothing more available on the topic. But from my experience, the only thing that really helps is to avoid the allergen so please discuss this in detail with your allergist. Best wishes.