Steroids made headlines plenty of times last year for their impact on sports. They weren't exactly happy news stories, if you recall.
But they also are used to help with various illnesses - from allergies to arthritis. A teen is featured in the Arizona Republic's Arizona Living section uses them to control symptoms from lupus.
Still, the word steroids often is thought of as a negative because of the sports headlines.
As a parent, when/if you or your child are prescribed something that has steroids in it, are you more likely to look for alternative medicines?
Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.
I have always looked for
I have always looked for alternative medicine before placing my kids on anything, I have an older daughter who's vocal chords have become swollen and because she is a singer she has been placed on them, one time having a very negative experience so know when she does feel the beginning of any issues that has to do with her voice, she gargles with sea salt and chorapyll, along with sipping throat coat tea and slippery elm..i know that some have to take steriods for certain problems, but then when your off them, it seems that other problems come from the after affects of taking them.. I would be very very carefull in taking them.
" just my Opinion"
the steroids you read about
the steroids you read about in sports are doifferent than the ones the doctor prescribes for your child and in diffeent doses. usually the sports steroids are a combination fo human growth hormone and other things. the stroids that the doctor prescribes is usally prednisone and what this does is it helps the body heal faster. as in a respiratory problem. but on the other hand steroids ahve a lot of side effects whenused long term. i dont think that an aoocassional run of steroids is going to make your child dependent or have side effects i think it woudldo more good than harm. it is people that abuse any substance and then get in the headlines that and horror stories that make people afriad of medications . also a lot of misinformation. i think that you should talk with yor doctor about alternatives if the time ever comes that you need to use them
My boys were chronic "croup"
My boys were chronic "croup" getters before they turn 3. Literally my oldest had it 7 times in one year. I learned that if I got him the prescription steroid early enough his suffering (and mine!) was cut significantly. The other option was to wait until the emergency room visit because he wasn't getting enough oxygen and then he'd get albuterol to open the airways. Personally I felt that the small amount of steroid was better than getting the albuterol.
You can never be sure, I'm just proud of any mom that thinks medical decisions through and then makes the best decision she can.