Reducing Swelling And Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response to injury
Inflammation is a natural response to injury. It is the body's way of providing a cushion of extra fluid to protect damaged tissue. Sometimes, however, inflammation is not helpful and it needs to be controlled.
Many medical conditions owe their most troublesome symptoms to the process of inflammation, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic disorders. This is by no means a complete list but it gives an idea of the range of body tissues and problems that can arise because of inflammation and swelling.
The most effective treatment for inflammation depends on where it occurs and what causes it. Many anti-inflammatory drugs are available, including dexamethasone, a corticosteroid that mimics the action of the steroid hormones produced naturally by the body.
Dexamethasone is a very potent anti-inflammatory drug with an effect around 30 times greater than that of hydrocortisone. Because it is so potent, oral dexamethasone is usually kept for treating serious conditions and emergency situations. It is available in as an easy-to-swallow liquid as well as in tablet form.
Who can benefit from dexamethasone?
Dexamethasone sodium phosphate is recommended for several conditions that arise due to hormonal imbalance. It can, for example, help patients with protruding eyeballs caused by internal fluid build up due to Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. A good response to therapy reduces the swelling and removes the need for pressure-relieving surgery.
Other common indications for dexamethasone treatment include:
* Allergies - although it is one of the active ingredients in some eye drops and nasal sprays designed for hay fever, dexamethasone is more usually given in larger doses to treat very severe allergic conditions that can destroy quality of life. Very severe asthma, relentless dermatitis and extreme drug hypersensitivity reactions can all respond to oral treatment.
* Crohn's disease and rectal ulcerative colitis - dexamethasone can reduce inflammation in the lining of the lower digestive system, allowing the body time to heal. Liquid dexamethasone, which is mint flavoured, is often preferred by patients who experience soreness and ulceration in the upper digestive system.
* Rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatism - dexamethasone eases the inflammation around joints, enabling patients to move more easily.
Dexamethasone and anaphylactic shock
Adrenaline injection is given as the primary emergency treatment for sudden anaphylaxis caused by a massive allergic response. However, in cases of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia, dexamethasone is given before systemic antibiotic therapy to prevent the possibility of a general anaphylactic shock due to the break-up of huge numbers of bacterial cells in the blood. It helps keep the patient's condition stable and improves their chances of survival.
How dexamethasone can help cancer patients
Dexamethasone is useful in many types of cancer particularly acute lymphatic leukaemia and malignant melanoma. It is usually used in the treatment of low grade lymphomas in combination with two chemotherapy drugs, fludarabine and doxorubicin. FAD therapy can make the mouth sore and liquid dexamethasone can be substituted for tablets if required.
by: Jan Peterson
What Is Etf Trend Trading? Toyota Vitz Is Pakistan's Best Hatchback Is Texting An Ex Right What Can I Do I Still Care For My Ex What Can I Do My Ex Stopped Talking To Me, Now That Im With Someone Else He Is Trying I Ignored Her, She Dumped Me How To Move On I Moved On Too Fast What Can I Do How and What to use on Sensitive Skin My Ex Sent Me A Text Message That Was For Another Girl, Why Feeling Lonely Break Up What Can I Do Bored And Lonely What To Do How To Move On My Ex Wants To Hang Out What Does That Mean Get Over A Broken Heart What Can I Do