Warning of adrenal insufficiency, big round face due to abuse of anti-inflammatory drugs

Lạm dụng corticoid liều cao, bàn chân của một nữ bệnh nhân 58 tuổi (ngụ Thái Nguyên) bị sưng vù, da rất mỏng, gây rách da, nhiễm trùng nặng... - Ảnh: Bệnh viện cung cấp — Due to high-dose corticosteroid abuse, the feet of a 58-year-old female patient (living in Thai Nguyen) became swollen, the skin was very thin, causing skin tears and severe infections... - Photo: Provided by the hospital

Recently, the Central Endocrinology Hospital (Hanoi) admitted patient HTH (58 years old, residing in Dinh Hoa, Thai Nguyen) with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, spinal degeneration for many years, acute adrenal insufficiency and severe infection.

Taking a medical history, Ms. H. regularly took high doses of M. (a synthetic corticosteroid drug, which has anti-inflammatory and immune system suppressing effects - PV), leading to side effects of the drug such as a red round face, central obesity, thin skin, stretch marks on the abdomen...

One side effect of the drug caused the skin on Ms. H's feet to become very thin, leading to skin tears and severe foot infections that spread up her right leg, threatening her life.

Ms. H. was treated at a lower level but was unsuccessful due to both acute adrenal insufficiency and severe infection. The patient was transferred to the Central Endocrinology Hospital for treatment, is now stable and can be discharged.

Doctors at the Central Endocrinology Hospital said acute adrenal insufficiency is common in patients who abuse corticosteroids. This is a life-threatening medical condition.

To avoid corticosteroid abuse, patients need to follow their doctor's instructions.

The use of corticosteroids should be prescribed and supervised by a qualified physician, who will determine the appropriate therapy and dosage required for each specific case.

Patients should not arbitrarily increase or decrease the dose of corticosteroids without a doctor's prescription because it can cause serious health problems.

Corticosteroids are usually used for short periods of time to treat inflammatory conditions or allergic reactions. Long-term use of corticosteroids can cause serious health problems.

At the same time, patients need to regularly monitor their health status when using corticosteroids and contact their doctor immediately if any symptoms or problems occur. Choosing a reputable medical facility is very important to ensure receiving quality and safe medical care.