What are the main causes of yeast infections. How can diet and lifestyle changes help prevent yeast overgrowth. Which supplements may be effective for treating yeast infections.

Understanding Yeast Infections: Causes and Symptoms

Yeast infections, primarily caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans, are a common health concern, especially among women. These infections can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, nails, mouth, vagina, bronchi, and lungs.

Vaginal yeast infections, in particular, are one of the most frequent reasons women seek medical attention. The primary symptoms include:

• Intense itching of the external and internal genitalia
• White, thick, or curdy discharge (often described as cottage cheese-like)
• Inflammation, redness, and swelling in severe cases
• Potential pinpoint bleeding in advanced infections

Are certain factors known to increase the risk of yeast infections? Indeed, several conditions and lifestyle choices can predispose individuals to Candida overgrowth:

• Use of antibiotics
• Oral contraceptives
• Adrenal corticosteroids (like prednisone)
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• HIV infection
• Allergies

The Role of Clothing in Yeast Infection Prevention

Can your choice of underwear affect your likelihood of developing a yeast infection? Research suggests it can. A study found that women who wear nylon underwear or tights are three times more likely to experience yeast infections compared to those who opt for cotton underwear.

To reduce your risk of yeast infections, consider the following tips:

• Choose breathable, cotton underwear
• Avoid tight-fitting synthetic materials
• Change out of wet or sweaty clothes promptly
• Wear loose-fitting clothing when possible

Dietary Approaches to Preventing Yeast Infections

Is there a connection between diet and yeast infections? Many healthcare professionals believe that a well-balanced diet low in fats, sugars, and refined foods can play a crucial role in preventing Candida overgrowth.

What specific dietary changes might help? Consider the following recommendations:

• Limit intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates
• Reduce consumption of fruit juices
• Avoid or minimize dairy products
• Steer clear of artificial sweeteners
• In persistent cases, consider limiting fruit intake

A preliminary trial showed that avoiding sugar, dairy products, and artificial sweeteners led to a significant reduction in the incidence and severity of Candida vaginitis. However, it’s important to note that dietary changes alone may not be sufficient for all cases and should be combined with other preventive measures and treatments as recommended by a healthcare provider.

The Potential of Probiotics in Managing Yeast Infections

Can beneficial bacteria help prevent yeast overgrowth? Research suggests that probiotics, particularly those containing Lactobacillus species, may play a role in maintaining vaginal health and preventing yeast infections.

How can you incorporate probiotics into your routine?

• Consume yogurt containing live acidophilus cultures daily
• Consider probiotic supplements, especially those containing Lactobacillus species
• Explore the use of probiotic vaginal suppositories or douches under medical guidance

While probiotics show promise, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you’re prone to recurrent yeast infections.

Medications and Yeast Infections: What You Need to Know

Do certain medications increase the risk of yeast infections? Yes, several commonly prescribed medications can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms in the body, potentially leading to yeast overgrowth. These include:

• Antibiotics
• Oral contraceptives
• Adrenal corticosteroids (such as prednisone)

If you’re prone to yeast infections and are taking any of these medications, it’s important to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. They may be able to suggest alternatives or additional preventive measures to reduce your risk of developing a yeast infection.

Holistic Approaches to Yeast Infection Treatment

Beyond conventional treatments, are there holistic approaches that may help manage yeast infections? Several natural remedies and lifestyle changes have shown promise in supporting the body’s defense against Candida overgrowth:

Dietary Modifications

Adopting an anti-Candida diet may help starve the yeast and promote a healthy balance of gut flora. This typically involves:

• Eliminating sugar and simple carbohydrates
• Increasing intake of non-starchy vegetables
• Consuming lean proteins and healthy fats
• Incorporating antifungal foods like garlic, coconut oil, and oregano

Herbal Remedies

Certain herbs have demonstrated antifungal properties that may be beneficial in managing yeast infections:

• Oregano oil
• Garlic
• Pau d’arco
• Caprylic acid

It’s important to note that while these natural remedies may offer relief for some individuals, their efficacy can vary. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen.

The Link Between Allergies and Recurrent Yeast Infections

Can allergies contribute to chronic yeast infections? Interestingly, research has suggested a potential connection between allergies and recurrent yeast vaginitis. In a preliminary trial, addressing and treating allergies, along with avoiding allergens, led to a resolution of chronic recurrent yeast infections in many cases.

If you’re experiencing persistent yeast infections, consider the following steps:

• Consult with an allergist to identify potential allergens
• Work on eliminating or minimizing exposure to identified allergens
• Explore allergy treatments under medical supervision
• Monitor for improvements in the frequency and severity of yeast infections

This approach underscores the importance of looking at overall health and potential underlying conditions when addressing recurrent yeast infections.

Sexual Health and Yeast Infections: Debunking Myths

Is sexual transmission a significant factor in yeast infections? Contrary to popular belief, sexual transmission does not play a major role in most cases of yeast infection. However, it’s important to note that in persistent or recurrent cases, sexual transmission should be considered.

What steps should be taken if sexual transmission is suspected?

• Both partners should be examined by a healthcare provider
• Treatment may be recommended for both individuals to prevent reinfection
• Use of barrier methods (like condoms) during treatment may be advised
• Open communication between partners about symptoms and treatment is crucial

Remember, while yeast infections are not typically considered a sexually transmitted infection, they can occasionally be passed between sexual partners. If you’re experiencing recurrent infections, it’s important to consider all potential factors, including sexual activity.

Nutritional Supplements for Yeast Infection Management

Can certain supplements help in managing yeast infections? While more research is needed, some nutritional supplements have shown promise in supporting the body’s defense against Candida overgrowth:

Probiotics

As mentioned earlier, probiotics, particularly those containing Lactobacillus species, may help maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome. Look for supplements specifically formulated for vaginal health.

Vitamin C

This antioxidant vitamin may help boost immune function and create an acidic environment that’s less hospitable to yeast growth.

Garlic

Known for its antifungal properties, garlic supplements may help combat Candida overgrowth. However, more research is needed to determine optimal dosages and efficacy.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These essential fats have anti-inflammatory properties that may support overall immune function and help manage yeast infections.

When considering supplements, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure they’re appropriate for your individual needs and won’t interact with any medications you may be taking.

In conclusion, managing and preventing yeast infections often requires a multifaceted approach. By combining dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and appropriate treatments (both conventional and holistic), many individuals can effectively reduce their risk of recurrent infections and maintain optimal vaginal health. Remember, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Yeast Infection (Holistic) – Health Information Library

About This Condition

Yeast infection means fungal overgrowth. Vaginal yeast infections are one of the most common reasons women seek healthcare. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.

• Switch to cotton underwear

  Avoid the increased risks of yeast infection associated with nylon underwear and tights

• Try beneficial bacteria

  To prevent the overgrowth of yeast organisms, eat yogurt containing live acidophilus cultures daily, and use acidophilus topically as vaginal suppositories or a douche

• Ask about problem medicines

  Discuss with your doctor whether you can avoid taking antibiotics, oral contraceptives, or adrenal corticosteroids (such as prednisone) that may lead to yeast infection

About

About This Condition

Yeast infections usually result from an overgrowth of a species of fungus called Candida
albicans. They can occur on the skin, under nails or mucous membranes of the mouth, vagina, bronchi, and
lungs.

Vaginal yeast infections are one of the most common reasons that women consult healthcare
professionals.

Symptoms

Yeast infections are a type of vaginitis. The hallmark symptom of a yeast infection is itching of the external and internal genitalia, which is often associated with a white discharge that can be thick and/or curdy (like cottage cheese). Severe infections lead to inflammation of the tissue and subsequent redness, swelling, and even pinpoint bleeding.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips

According to one study, yeast infections are three times more common in women who wear nylon underwear or tights, than in those who wear cotton underwear.¹ Additional predisposing factors for Candida infection include the use of antibiotics, oral contraceptives, or adrenal corticosteroids (such as prednisone).

Underlying health conditions that may predispose someone to Candida overgrowth include pregnancy, diabetes, and HIV infection. Allergies have also been reported to promote the development of recurrent yeast vaginitis. In a preliminary trial, when the allergens were avoided and the allergies treated, the chronic recurrent yeast infections frequently resolved.² In most cases, sexual transmission does not play a role in yeast infection. However, in persistent cases, sexual transmission should be considered, and the sexual partner should be examined and treated.

Eating Right

The right diet is the key to managing many diseases and to improving general quality of life. For this condition, scientific research has found benefit in the following healthy eating tips.

Supplements

What Are Star Ratings?

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

3 Stars
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

2 Stars
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

1 Star
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

References

1. Heidrich F, Berg A, Gergman R, et al. Clotting factors and vaginitis. J Family Pract 1984;19:491-4.

2. Kudelco N. Allergy in chronic monilial vaginitis. Ann Allergy 1971;29:266-7.

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  About

Health Information Library

Medications that Weaken Your Immune System and Fungal Infections | Fungal Infections | Fungal

Overall, most serious fungal infections are rare, but they do happen. They are most common among people with weak immune systems. People with certain health conditions may need to take medications with side effects that can weaken your immune system and put you at risk for fungal infections.

Specifically, corticosteroids and TNF (tumor necrosis factor) inhibitors are two types of medications that can increase your chances of getting a fungal infection.¹

• Corticosteroids are medications that treat conditions including arthritis, asthma, allergic reactions, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus, sarcoidosis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
• TNF inhibitors are medications that treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Some fungal infections can be serious, such as:

• Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever)^{2, 3}
• Cryptococcosis (neoformans and gattii)^4–6
• Histoplasmosis^{7, 8}
• Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)^{9, 10}
• Invasive Candida infection⁷
• Invasive aspergillosis⁷

Other fungal infections, such as oral candidiasis (thrush), are usually not life threatening. ¹¹

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What you need to know about fungal infections

Fungal infections can range from mild to life-threatening. Some fungal infections are mild skin rashes, but others can have serious complications. Because of this, it’s important for you to seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid serious infection.

Fungal infections can look like bacterial or viral infections. If you’re taking medicine to fight an infection and you aren’t getting better, ask your doctor about testing you for a fungal infection.

Where you live (geography) matters. Some disease-causing fungi are more common in certain parts of the world. If you live in or visit these areas and are taking medications that weaken the immune system, you’re more likely to get these infections than the general population.^{7, 8, 12} For more information on travel-related illnesses, please see the CDC Traveler’s Health site.

The length of your treatment matters. Your healthcare provider can prescribe corticosteroids for short-term use (days to weeks) or long-term use (weeks to months). Long-term corticosteroid use is more likely to increase your chance of getting a fungal infection.

Amount of medication (dose). Higher doses of medications that weaken your immune system are more likely to increase your risk of getting a fungal infection.^{5, 11, 13, 14}

Click on the sections below to see lists of corticosteroids and TNF inhibitors that can increase the chances of getting a fungal infection.

Medications that can increase the chances of getting a fungal infection

Systemic therapy for urogenital candidiasis | Zaidieva Z.S., Magomethanova D.M.

Systemic therapy for urogenital candidiasis

January 14, 2005

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• Zaidieva Z. S.

,

• Magomethanova D.M.

For citation: Zaidieva Z.S., Magomethanova D.M. Systemic therapy of urogenital candidiasis. breast cancer. 2005;1:19.

An analysis of the medical literature of recent years shows an increased interest in the problem of fungal infections in general and candidiasis of the mucous membranes, in particular.

Genital infections caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida are one of the most common reasons women visit a doctor. Asymptomatic carriage of Candida is observed in 15-20% of non-pregnant women of reproductive and premenopausal age, while yeast-like fungi are found in small quantities –
To date, more than 100 biological species of yeast-like fungi have been described, among which the most common pathogens of vaginal candidiasis in 85–90% of patients are Candida albicans. Among other Candida species, C. glabrata (5–10%), C. tropicalis (3–5%), C. parapsilosis (3–5%), C. krusei (1–3%), and also C. pseudotropicalis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The spectrum of clinical manifestations of vaginal candidiasis is due to various factors, including the species of yeast-like fungi. Often, this disease acquires a relapsing course, difficult to treat. The literature discusses the issue of reducing the sensitivity of Candida fungi to antifungal drugs, which may be one of the causes of recurrence of Candida infection.
In the development of candidiasis, the following stages are distinguished: attachment (adhesion) of fungi to the surface of the mucous membrane with its colonization, penetration (invasion) into the epithelium, overcoming the epithelial barrier of the mucous membrane, entry into the connective tissue of the lamina propria, overcoming tissue and cellular defense mechanisms, penetration into vessels, hematogenous dissemination with damage to various organs and systems.
When the female genital tract is affected, vulvovaginal candidiasis or vulvovaginal candidiasis is considered the most appropriate name for the disease, since vulvar involvement usually accounts for most of the clinical picture. Accordingly, localization can be distinguished, in addition to vaginitis and vulvitis, candidal cervicitis, colpitis, urethritis, bartholinitis, etc.
It is fundamentally important to distinguish between two variants of mucosal lesions: with invasion of Candida spp. and without it.
Invasive candidiasis of the mucous membranes is characterized by the development of their fibrinous inflammation (in typical cases – the so-called “thrush”), and morphological studies of smears and biopsy specimens reveal pseudomycelium and budding yeast cells.
According to the features of the clinical picture, pseudomembranous (thrush) and erythematous / atrophic forms of the disease are distinguished. In addition, the terms “complicated” and “secondary” vaginal candidiasis are often used in foreign literature. Complicated candidiasis includes both chronic forms and atypical etiology, pronounced clinical manifestations, a course against the background of severe predisposing conditions (diabetes mellitus, immunodeficiency), i.e. cases that are difficult to treat. Secondary vulvovaginal candidiasis usually refers to cases of infection against the background of an existing non-infectious lesion of the genital organs.
With non-invasive candidiasis, the clinical picture varies significantly. The transition of candidiasis into a disease is facilitated by the presence in the macroorganism of violations in the nonspecific and specific links of resistance at the local and systemic levels.
During the course of the disease, acute (fresh, or sporadic) and chronic forms are distinguished. The acute form proceeds no more than 2 months. For vulvovaginal candidiasis, relapses are generally characteristic. Nevertheless, recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is considered as a special variant of the course of the chronic form of the disease.
In this case, recurrence is understood not just as a recurrence of symptoms, but rather frequent (4 or more episodes within 1 year) of their occurrence, alternating with non-manifest periods during which Candida spp. can be detected in the vagina. (or not be detected in the next period after the course of treatment). Another, more severe variant of the course of the chronic form is persistent vulvovaginal candidiasis. With it, the symptoms of the disease persist constantly with varying degrees of severity, usually subsiding after the treatment.
The clinical picture of vaginal candidiasis is usually characterized by the following symptoms:
• Abundant or moderate cheesy discharge from the genital tract;
• Itching, burning, irritation in the vulva;
• Increased itching during sleep or after water or sexual intercourse;
• Offensive odor, aggravated by sexual intercourse.
One of the main features of the course of genital candidiasis is its frequent combination with opportunistic bacterial flora, which has a high enzymatic and lytic activity, which creates favorable conditions for the introduction of fungi into tissues.
Detection of vaginal candidiasis is based on the clinical symptoms of the disease and an objective examination. Among laboratory methods, priority should be given to culture of vaginal discharge. It allows you to establish the etiology of the disease, the species of the pathogen and give its quantitative assessment, can serve as a control of the effectiveness of treatment. Simultaneous microscopy of a Gram-stained vaginal smear makes it possible to assess the microflora associated with fungi (obligate anaerobes or lactobacilli), which determines the choice of rational etiotropic therapy.
New information about the etiology, epidemiology and pathogenesis of vulvovaginal candidiasis has changed the approaches to therapy that have taken root in recent decades. So, some of them are now recognized as unfounded. Practice shows that often the contact of fungi of the genus Candida and mucous membranes forms a transient candidiasis that does not require the appointment of antifungal therapy. However, with changes in the resistance system of the macroorganism, intensive growth of fungi and stable colonization of the mucous membranes can occur. According to the results of comparative studies, treatment with local antimycotics does not help to reduce the recurrence of the disease, since the possibility of a reinfection source in the intestine is not excluded. Many patients consider local therapy an unpleasant procedure and stop treatment prematurely. Surveys indicate that patients prefer the oral method of treating vaginal candidiasis to the intravaginal one. In addition, local preparations have numerous disadvantages. These agents are often ineffective due to the fact that Candida quickly develop resistance to their action. The use of drugs in this group is characterized by a high frequency of relapses. There are also a number of purely functional disadvantages: local preparations are inconvenient to use and require long-term adherence to the treatment regimen. When using them, the development of side effects in the form of local irritation by the components of the drug is not excluded. The feasibility of treating a sexual partner is accepted but not conclusively proven.
The most modern method of treating candidiasis in general and vulvovaginal candidiasis in particular is the use of systemic antifungal agents.
The benefits of systemic therapy for vaginal candidiasis include:
– ease of use of drugs;
– the minimum duration of treatment for acute forms;
– impact on the pathogen of any localization;
– high anti-relapse effect.
Medicines used for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis must meet the following requirements: low toxicity, efficacy, tolerability, minimal incidence of resistance in pathogens, etc.
Recently, for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis, the most common in clinical practice, modern, highly effective and safe systemic antimycotics are drugs whose active ingredient is fluconazole.
One such drug is Diflazon. 1 capsule of the drug contains 50, 100, 150, 200 mg of fluconazole. Diflazon is an antifungal drug, a derivative of triazole. The mechanism of action is associated with a pronounced inhibition of the enzyme 14a-demethylase of the fungal cell and, as a result, the suppression of the synthesis of ergosterol, the main component of the fungal and mold cell wall.
Pharmacokinetic parameters vary in different patients, however, oral and intravenous administration of Diflazon kinetic parameters are similar. After oral administration, fluconazole is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Bioavailability is over 90%. Cmax in plasma is reached in 30-90 minutes.
The advantages of systemic antifungal drugs are their distribution to many organs and tissues and, as a result, the effect on the pathogen in any localization of the pathological process. This property is most pronounced in fluconazole.
Diflazon, having a pronounced antifungal effect, specifically inhibits the synthesis of fungal steroids. The drug is active against various strains: Candida spp., Cryptococcus neoformans, Microsporum spp. and Trichophytum spp.; pathogens of endemic mycoses: Blastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidioides immitis, Hystoplasma capsulatum. After oral administration in the blood plasma, almost the same concentration is created as after intravenous administration (the level in blood plasma is 90% of the level of fluconazole in blood plasma when administered intravenously). When administered orally 50 mg of the drug, the maximum plasma concentration is about 1 mg / l, with repeated administration it reaches 2-3 mg / l. Plasma protein binding is about 11-12%. Vd roughly corresponds to the volume of water in the body. Fluconazole penetrates well into all body fluids, including cerebrospinal fluid. The drug is not metabolized. The excretion of Diflazon T1 / 2 is about 30 hours, which is the basis for its single use.
In case of urogenital candidiasis, Diflazon is prescribed once orally at a dose of 150 mg. To reduce the frequency of recurrence of vaginal candidiasis, the drug can be used at a dose of 150 mg once a month. The duration of therapy is determined individually; it varies from 4 to 12 months. Some patients may require more frequent use.
The scheme of therapy should be set individually for each individual patient, especially since vaginal candidiasis is often combined with other infectious and inflammatory diseases of the genital area.
As for the prophylactic use of Diflazon at a dose of 150 mg once, studies have shown a high (100%) effectiveness of such prophylaxis. Thus, the use of one capsule of Diflazon (150 mg) per os in patients with bacterial vaginosis, together with the start of local treatment with metronidazole or clindamycin, made it possible to prevent the development of vaginal candidiasis, as a complication of basic therapy.
Nevertheless, in some patients, vaginal candidiasis tends to recur despite the course of therapy. In these cases, it is necessary to prescribe long-term anti-relapse therapy with Diflazon. In this case, it is necessary to comply with a number of conditions: an increase in the duration of the course of treatment, preventive therapy after an exacerbation, and mandatory correction of predisposing conditions. Otherwise, the woman must take antifungal drugs for several years. In the treatment of recurrent vaginal candidiasis, a combination of Diflazon and topical antifungals may be helpful.
One of these drugs is terzhinan (it contains, in addition to nystatin and neomycin sulfate, ornidazole – an antimicrobial, antiprotozoal and antifungal agent and prednisolone). With the combined use of (systemic and local) drugs, the symptoms of vulvovaginitis stop faster.
Chronic relapsing and persistent forms of vulvovaginal candidiasis are often characterized by the recurrence of symptoms soon after the end of the standard or double course of therapy. In these cases, it is recommended to conduct an initial course of systemic therapy, and then a course of prophylactic therapy to prevent relapse. Systemic drugs are prescribed in standard doses for 14 days (Diflazon 50 mg daily or 150 mg twice with an interval of 1 week). Further, it is necessary to continue taking the drug in smaller doses for 6 months. 100 mg every week. After the course of treatment according to these schemes, the frequency of relapses is significantly reduced in most patients.
Schemes of systemic therapy depending on the form of urogenital candidiasis are presented in the table.
The data obtained with the use of Diflazon showed that already on the 2nd-3rd day of treatment there was an improvement in the general condition of the patients. After the end of the course of therapy, the vast majority (95.5%) of women showed improvement. Clinically, it was expressed in the disappearance of secretions, hyperemia and swelling of the vaginal mucosa, burning sensation and itching. Mycelium filaments and yeast cells were not found in smears and bacteriological culture. In vaginal smears, leukocytosis was up to 8–10 per field of view.
Insufficient effectiveness of therapy was noted only in cases where a woman suffered from prolonged recurrent vaginal candidiasis, indicating repeated courses of treatment with various drugs, which, apparently, can cause species selection of Candida strains that are resistant to traditionally used drugs.
After the cure, they began to restore the microcenosis of the vagina. For this, bifidumbacterin (5–10 doses per day) was applied topically in the form of vaginal applications for 8 days or acylact in the form of vaginal suppositories, 1 at night, 1 time for 10 days.
Thus, in the treatment of urogenital candidiasis with Diflazon, clinical and etiological cure occurred in almost all patients, which indicates that the drug is a highly effective treatment that quickly relieves symptoms, is easy to use, and does not cause adverse reactions when taken. It should also be noted the high efficiency of the drug in the recurrent course of the disease and the decrease in the colonization of Candida fungi in the rectum after taking it.
Due to its high activity against Candida albicans, its pharmacokinetics and convenient regimen, Diflazon is a highly effective drug for the treatment of patients with urogenital candidiasis, which can provide long-term protection against relapse. The highly compliant drug Diflazon can be the drug of first choice for both the treatment and prevention of episodes of urogenital candidiasis.
Treatment of chronic recurrent urogenital candidiasis is a complex clinical problem. It consists in eliminating or reducing the severity of risk factors and underlying genital and extragenital diseases, treating relapse, and prescribing maintenance antimycotic therapy to prevent recurrence of the disease in the future.

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Prednisolone – what you need to know about taking this drug

Most often in non-medical circles it is called a steroid or glucocorticoid, many people think that this is a very dangerous drug and are very reluctant to agree to treatment with this drug.

But for certain diseases, it is prednisone that is considered an obligatory and necessary drug of first choice in the treatment of a disease (for example, nephrotic syndrome, which you can read about here).

We are not talking about the drug itself and for what diseases it should be prescribed, but our information block about what doctors usually forget when they prescribe prednisolone. Usually, children come for a consultation while taking prednisolone in combination with asparkam. Believe me, hypokalemia (decrease in the level of potassium in the blood), in connection with which asparks are prescribed, is not the most common complication when prescribing prednisolone.

In our departmental practice, almost 90% of patients receiving this drug are diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome.

Prednisolone is prescribed for a long period of time (the full course of therapy before the drug is discontinued may last 6-12 months), additional drugs must be prescribed to prevent the side effects of prednisolone. They are:

1. In order to protect the mucosa of the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum), prednisolone may cause indigestion, nausea, vomiting and more serious complications such as steroid ulcers. However, all this can be avoided by taking the so-called – gastroprotective drugs (i.e. Protection of the stomach in literal translation). These are antacids (eg Maalox, phosphalugel, etc.), H+ pump blockers (eg Omeprazole), drugs that improve the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. All doses of drugs are selected individually according to age and body weight.
2. Bone protection. Long-term use of steroids can cause a decrease in bone mass, so-called steroid osteoporosis (bone thinning) can develop, which ultimately leads to bone fractures. But this condition can also be prevented, it is necessary to take calcium and vitamin D preparations . The dose of drugs is also selected individually.

Other things to watch out for:

1. Mandatory blood pressure monitoring
2. Observation of an ophthalmologist: control of vision, the state of intraocular pressure and the lens of the eye.
3. When taking prednisone for a very long time, check blood glucose levels.