What are prednisone uses?

About Prednisone

Prednisone is the synthetic form of corticosteroid hormone. These hormones are naturally synthesized in the cortex of the adrenal gland, and their functions are to prepare the body to react to stressful occasions, to modify the response of the immune system to different substances and stimuli, and to affect our behavior. You can also find out that corticosteroid hormones affect the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates in the body, maintain the normal level of electrolytes and also decrease the swelling on the body. There are two groups of corticosteroid hormones, known as glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Prednisone belongs to the first group, affecting the immune system and regulating all functions in the body.

This synthetic hormone works in the same way as natural body glucocorticoids. It has a negative effect on the immune system, suppressing its activity if it is too active and thus decreasing inflammation in the body. Prednisone is therefore used as immune-suppressant and anti-inflammatory substance.

PrednisoneUsage

Many medical conditions can be treated with Prednisone. It can be used to treat various skin problems, such as psoriasis, seborrhea, serious allergic reactions on the skin, mycosis fungoides (one type of lymphoma). Asthma, atopic dermatitis and several other allergic reactions can also benefit from this synthetic hormone. Systemic lupus erythematosus (also known as SLE) is also treatable with Prednisone. Lupus erythematosus and kidney problems can cause retention of fluids, which is also potentially treated with this drug.

Blood problems, like anemia or thrombocytopenia (low number of blood platelets), caused by reactions of the immune system are also indications for Prednisone.

Many eye-related medical conditions, including optical neuritis, keratitis or herpes infections of the eyes can be successfully treated with this hormone drug. Even rheumatic disorders (rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, orosteoarthritis, gout, bursitis or ankylosing spondylitis) are treated with the same medication.

Gastrointestinalproblems and respiratory disorders are additional problems that might be solved with Prednisone. In some cases, doctors will prescribe Prednisone to patients suffering from pneumonia or tuberculosis, or even to some people having Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis patients can also benefit from Prednisone therapy.

Lymphoma and leukemia patients experiencing cancer symptoms may also find some relief using Prednisone for the treatment. MS (multiple sclerosis) is also one of the medical conditions for which doctors might prescribe Prednisone.

There are some off –label purposes of Prednisone, and some doctors may prescribe you prednisone although this medication is not designed for your particular condition. This way, seizures, carpal tunnel syndrome and pulmonary fibrosis patients are those that can also experience benefits from Prednisone.