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What Causes A Jittery Feeling And Fainting After Taking Steroid Shots For Pneumonia?

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Posted on Tue, 19 Apr 2016
Question: My adult son has walking pneumonia. He was given a steroid shot this morning and has been jittery and faint all day. Is this normal and, if so, how long will it last? He is a high school basketball coach and he has two games tomorrow (make up because they were previously snowed out) He insists that he will be fine tomorrow; however, he has to drive through the mountains for about an hour to get to the high school where they are playing. He takes depakote for epilepsy as well. Just a worried mom.
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Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No these symptoms are not normal.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
No, these symptoms are not normal.
There are two possibilities for his symptoms.
1. Worsening of pneumonia.
2. Steroid side effects.
Pneumonia is acute infection of lungs. Steroids are usually contraindicated in acute infection like pneumonia because they can flare up (worsen) the underlying infection.
So better to avoid steroid in pneumonia.
If it is due to side effects of steroid then these symptoms will last for 24-36 hours.
So wait for 24 hours, if he is improving in these symptoms then he can go for coaching.
But if he is not improving then better to take rest at home.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your son. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak
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Dr. Drkaushal85

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 15003 Questions

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What Causes A Jittery Feeling And Fainting After Taking Steroid Shots For Pneumonia?

Brief Answer: No these symptoms are not normal. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. No, these symptoms are not normal. There are two possibilities for his symptoms. 1. Worsening of pneumonia. 2. Steroid side effects. Pneumonia is acute infection of lungs. Steroids are usually contraindicated in acute infection like pneumonia because they can flare up (worsen) the underlying infection. So better to avoid steroid in pneumonia. If it is due to side effects of steroid then these symptoms will last for 24-36 hours. So wait for 24 hours, if he is improving in these symptoms then he can go for coaching. But if he is not improving then better to take rest at home. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your son. Thanks.