Dexamethasone for viral encephalitis : Is it proven to work

Dexamethasone is a Corticosteroid used in the treatment of many different acute and ongoing medical ailments. This steroid has proven useful in many other situations as an anti-inflammatory however it is still to be decided by much more research and trial as to the effectiveness of Dexamethasone as a reliable treatment for Viral Encephalitis.

What is Viral Encephalitis

In most cases of confirmed Viral Encephalitis the general underlying cause is the Herpes Simplex Virus or HSV. As the virus mutates and reproduces it can travel to the brain and begin to attack the CNS (Central Nervous System). This attack can cause Encephalitis. This is a neurological emergency; with mortality rate of 70% or higher in the United States. (Faculty) Early treatment in any form only reduces this number between 20 and 50%. With a diagnostic rate of 1 out of every 4 people in 1,000,000 people per year HSV Encephalitis is most common in the United States and in most Western Countries. (Faculty) Encephalitis is distinguished from meningitis by distinct qualities; first there is general an altered mental state in most patients, and second there are specific neuro-markers doctors look for in patients exhibiting the altered mental state. HSV Encephalitis untreated can lead to hemorrhaging, edema, and necrosis in the sub-frontal and medial temporal lobes of the brain, with a high probability of neuronal cell death.

What animal and human trials of Dexamethasone has shown

In animal trials with mice the administration of Dexamethasone at the critical onset of HSV Encephalitis has shown to have some neuro protection from the virus. Dexamethasone has shown to control the replication of the virus and has promise in restricting neuronal cell death in the brain. These are both promising conclusions from animal studies (Faculty). A human study with about 45 people has now been conducted with the test patients being in various stages of the viral disease. This study has found that in a greater number of cases administering Dexamethasone in the early onset stages has shown reliability as a predictor of improved outcomes. This is not a hard proven fact as more trials are needed to show this result consistently, however it could be the precursor to a permanent form of treatment in the area of HSV Encephalitis. In this trial Dexamethasone was the only independent predictor which when administered at onset as part of a treatment protocol which could prove somewhat reliable.

No prolonged human trial or study has been completed as of yet, however currently running is the GACHE trail using Dexamethasone. Until the results of this study are in there is not enough verifiable proof that the use of Dexamethasone or any other steroid as standard and recommended treatment of Encephalitis will glean any better results than the current standard of comfort care. Until such evidence and consistency can be documented in the majority of cases Dexamethasone and other steroid treatments will only be tentatively recommended by doctors. (Faculty)

Works Cited

Faculty. (n.d.). Medscape. Retrieved from medscape.org: http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/569256_5

“Dexamethasone for vitiligo”

What is vitiligo and how can dexamethasone help?

Vitiligo a medical skin condition that causes the loss of your skin color in patches. One example is someone with very dark skin (such as an African American) whose skin becomes pale or extremely light (such as the skin of a Caucasian American). The extent to the color loss and the rate at which it progresses is unpredictable. Vitiligo can affect any (or all) parts of the skin on the body, including the face, a person’s hair, the mouth and lips, and occasionally (though rare) the color of the eyes. Your hair and eye color is defined by melanin. When the melanin cells are not functioning properly, have been compromised, or are dying (or have died), vitiligo is the result. Vitiligo affects people of all ages, races, and backgrounds, however, in people with lighter skin tones, it can often be harder to tell that they have vitiligo. While not a contagious or infectious disease, there is no cure for Vitiligo, however, there are treatments, such as dexamethasone, to help you manage the symptoms of vitiligo.

What is dexamethasone and how can it help treat the symptoms of vitiligo?

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid medication that helps to prohibit the release of components in the body that cause inflammation and skin irritations. Dexamethasone helps to reduce the symptoms associated with rashes, irritation, skin swelling and redness, and other skin conditions and diseases.

In clinical studies, it was proved that dexamethasone helps to reduce the symptoms of vitiligo when given oral dexamethasone. While studies are few and research is still being conducted, studies have shown that patients who used the oral dose of dexamethasone had fewer symptoms that arose and the severity of the symptom when they did occur was reduced. Low repigmentation was noted in some of the clinical studies, however, it was noted that while using the dexamethasone oral dose that depigmentation was either reduced or temporarily stopped in most patients.

While there is much to be studied and trial research to be done, many medical professionals believe that by using dexamethasone to treat vitiligo, patients have a more likely chance of being able to control, reduce or eliminate many symptoms of vitiligo all together.

These are some important things that you should know about using dexamethasone. Be sure to speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any of the following while using dexamethasone. Patients who use dexamethasone may experience difficulty breathing, blurred vision, unexplained dizziness, weight gain, loss of appetite, depression, slow healing of injuries, excessive nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, muscle weakness, severe burning feeling at application sites (a minor sensation of burning is common), or any other unusual symptoms that started after you begin taking dexamethasone.

“Can you use dexamethasone for ulcerative colitis?“

Dexamethasone and ulcerative colitis relief

The question of using dexamethasone as a treatment of Ulcerative Colitis is a weighty one the risks and side effects of using a corticosteroid as a treatment are for some an indication to refuse to use the drug. The benefits of using dexamethasone for an individual who is suffering from Ulcerative Colitis, may argue that the symptoms and return to remission are worth the risks.

The risks involved can include the following: psychological problems such as: insomnia, anxiety, and mood swings. The risk of a pregnant woman and a woman who is breast feeding using dexamethasone can be long lasting, from the baby needing to be monitored after birth for development defects such as slow growth and risk of compromising the immune system.

Compromising the immune system in either a baby or an adult can lead to complications especially after the individual has completed a series of injections or tablets. The compromised immune system can allow the individual to contract an illness that can be severe or even lead to death. If you have a fungus infection in your system tell your physician it is not recommended that using steroids at this time as the infection may increase.

Drug interactions are another problem make sure that if you are using dexamethasone that you tell your doctors and pharmacist that you are using the steroid so that there will not be adverse reactions. Before taking any medications have the doctor check for adverse reactions from the combination of the two drugs.

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid and is an anti-inflammatory and can relieve pain. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that attacks the bowel which causes inflammation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The steroid reduces or blocks the bowel from becoming inflamed and can alleviate the symptoms and greatly reduce pain.

The individual who suffers from Ulcerative Colitis and is prescribed a steroid regiment should follow the instructions carefully and if the doctor changes your diet to help with the symptoms or flare ups follow instructions and the inflammation will subside and can lead to remission. This is the best benefit for an individual who suffers from Ulcerative Colitis.

Individuals who are prescribed a steroid regiment should not stop taking the medicine abruptly, this can lead to sever withdraw and increased pain. Your doctor will slowly reduce the dosage to allow the body to naturally reduce the need for the steroid, without complication.

The relief from suffering and the freedom to live symptom free and enjoy a normal active life style is a major benefit of the use of dexamethasone to treat Ulcerative Colitis. It will not cure the disease but will enhance the individuals life with fewer episodes and lessened pain a truly wonderful benefit.

“Is Dexamethasone useful for tonsillitis?“

Dexamethasone dose for tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is one of the most common types of ailments because it is a symptom of one of the most common sicknesses – the common cold! If you have ever been sick with a cold or the flu, and you’ve felt the back of your throat swell up and perhaps heat up and become raw, you’ve experienced tonsillitis.

The tonsils – two oval shaped little pods located in the back of your throat – act like air filters for the beginning of your respiratory system. They are designed to catch and trap germs and viruses that would otherwise enter your lungs and cause infection. They also release antibodies and aid in fighting off infection. Sometimes, though, the tonsils themselves are overwhelmed with the germs it filters out, and become inflamed and infected themselves. This is the onset of tonsillitis, and it is a common occurrence that happens frequently in many who become sick with a cold. In fact, when most people claim that they have a sore throat, what they really mean is that their tonsils have become inflamed, a la tonsillitis.

There are many ways to treat tonsillitis. Most treatments include acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which are both anti-inflammatory agents designed to aid the body in fighting off infection. They are a staple medicine in many households because they are very prevalent in basic over the counter medicines. Another way to treat tonsillitis lies in the corticosteroid dexamethasone. Corticosteroids are chemicals that occur naturally in the body, secreted by the adrenal gland. Dexamethasone is a man-made, but otherwise identical, corticosteroid.

While some infections are generally more bearable than others, and register as a mere annoyance, others, such as strep-throat, can cause a pain so severe that swallowing water becomes a difficulty. Dexamethasone is a very potent anti-inflammatory agent that is used to treat many conditions, including many types of arthritis, Crohn’s disease and even asthma. As it turns out, oral dexamethasone is a very effective way with which to treat a tonsillitis. While acetaminophen or ibuprofen can take up to twelve hours to reduce pain to a more bearable level, it has been found that people suffering from tonsillitis treated with dexamethasone can experience pain relief that is much more complete, and in some cases experienced in a mere six hours, cutting the time between administration and relief in half compared to acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Dexamethasone for tonsillitis is typically reserved for more severe cases of tonsillitis, such as strep-throat, as stated above.

Dexamethasone for tonsillitis does have its downside, though. For one, dexamethasone is a prescription only drug, which may make getting your hands on it a little more difficult than ibuprofen. Dexamethasone also suppresses the immune system, meaning that it will hamper your body’s natural ability to fight off an infection by itself. The drug should be administered in conjunction with other, infection fighting medications. These hurdles in administrating the drug the most effective way possible might explain why the public at large has not adopted using it for the common cold, as ibuprofen or acetaminophen is much more cheaply and readily available.

“I have a severe tooth pain. Can I apply dexamethasone?“

Benefits and side effects of using dexamethasone for tooth pain

Dexamethasone is a steroid medication that has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effects. This drug is used to treat a wide variety of problems including skin diseases, severe allergies, croup, and asthma. The drug has been proven safe for pregnant women to use.

Due to the fact that Dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory, dentists are able to give it to patients in small dosages. Most dental procedures result in inflammation of the gums and cheeks. Dexamethasone is able to reduce the swelling as well as reduce the pain that the patient may be experiencing.

While Dexamethasone is a great drug to reduce pain and swelling, it comes with an extensive list of possible side effects. While taking this medication, users may experience weight gain, vertigo, depression, insomnia, increased risk of infection, vomiting, amnesia, nausea, and more. In rare cases users may experience abdominal distention, bruising, pancreatitis, muscular atrophy, and growth stunting in children. Sudden withdrawal after long-term use may result in hypotension, fever, weight loss, myalgia, or death.

Deciding whether or not to use a specific drug can become scary when comparing the benefits and risks of the drug. One must remember that the side effects are often rare or manageable. The side effects of Dexamethasone could be dangerous and a nuisance, but the benefits are hard to ignore. After a dental surgery, such as having wisdom teeth removed, patients desperately want to feel comfortable. This drug is able to reduce the swelling and pain that is caused by such a painful dental surgery.

After comparing the benefits and side effects of Dexamethasone, and considering it for tooth pain relief, patients should be able to make a decision based on their personal health. If a patient often has side effects, they may want to ask their dentist about a different medication with less side effects. A patient who is not worried about the side effects should take this drug for tooth pain. It is really the best way to get through severe tooth pain. People who have minor tooth pain, such as a tooth ache versus a dental surgery, should not use this drug as they may become addicted; steroids should always be used with caution. If a patient becomes addicted to the drug and is forced to withdrawal, they may be at risk for worse side effects, such as death.

After close examination of the steroid medication, Dexamethasone, it is believed that this is a good drug for use with severe tooth pain. This medication is not suggested for long-term use, and quick withdrawal is also not suggested. The risks and benefits of this drug are the same risks and benefits found with most steroid based anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients should use Dexamethasone with caution and not without speaking to their doctor first.

The use of dexamethasone for thyroid storm

Thyroid storm is a condition that can sometimes be life-threatening, it occurs in people who have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. A thyroid system is when the thyroid gland starts releasing extensive amounts of thyroid hormone in a small amount of time. When a thyroid storm happens it is crucial for the person to seek emergency medical assistance.

Once the person is under medical attention the drug dexamethasone is given to a patient and from there the person’s cortisol levels are measured. The cortisol levels are supposed to drop after being administered dexamethasone. There are two different types of tests that can be conducted on patients, depending on the cortisol levels a patient will be given either a low or high-dose test. Both test can be performed either overnight or in a standard 3-day course.

The test is only conducted when overproduction of cortisol is suspected. The low-dose test is usually used to separate the people who healthy produce cortisol from the ones that produce too much. The high-dose test is given to figure out if the problem is abnormally in the pituitary gland, which then means the person could be suffering from Cushing’s Disease.

The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland and it is controlled by the body’s cortisone levels, the adrenal cortex needs ACTH to produce cortisol. If cortisol levels are too high then ACTH is restrained and vice versa. Dexamethasone is a steroid that is similar to cortisol that can suppress ATCH production in the normal person. Therefore, it is used to reduce ACTH and ultimately reduces cortisol in those who are suffering with the thyroid storm condition.

Those who have pituitary glands that overproduce ACTH will have an uncommon response to a low-dose test, but the high-dose test will be normal. If the result on the low-dose test comes back and it is not normal then cortisol production is abnormal and is probably due to Cushing’s syndrome. The high-dose test is to determine what the condition is being caused by or in relation to. In the event of thyroid storm the doctors will use dexamethasone as a synthetic form of cortisol to figure out what is going on with the body and whether or not it is the fault of the pituitary gland.

Just like any other drug dexamethasone has its risks of fainting or infection. When being given the test you may feel the needle and slight throbbing from the spot where you were pricked. However, thyroid storm develops most often in someone who has a severe health issue on top of hyperthyroidism. No matter the reasoning thyroid storm is a condition that needs medical attention as soon as possible.

“Dexamethasone for thrombocytopenia“

What is thrombocytopenia and how does dexamethasone help?

Thrombocytopenia is a medical disorder wherein the number of platelets in the blood is reduced. A normal range of platelets is between 150,000 and 400,000 platelets for each microliter of blood present. People who have thrombocytopenia often have a platelet count that is around 150,000 platelets per microliter or lower. Platelets in the blood are what helps your body to produce blood clots to assist in the stoppage of bleeding.

How does one contract thrombocytopenia?

While thrombocytopenia is generally thought to be an inherited medical condition, it is also caused by other medical complications and some drugs. People who have conditions such as Epstein-Barr, Hepatitis C and HIV are more at risk for contracting (or developing) thrombocytopenia. Other reasons include excessive alcohol consumption, radiation or chemotherapy, and high Vitamin B12 deficiencies (which leads to anemia).

What is dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone is a type of steroid medication that alleviates symptoms such as inflammation, itching, redness, skin conditions (such as psoriasis) and other medical conditions. It is a steroid that stops the release of hormonal and other bodily substances from being released into the body that cause inflammation and other problems. It is used to treat skin conditions (such as eczema and psoriasis), arthritis conditions, allergic disorders of the skin, and some breathing disorders.

How can Dexamethasone help treat thrombocytopenia?

While studies are few at this time, it has been proved that intense low doses of intravenously or orally used Dexamethasone can increase platelet count and reduce the symptoms of thrombocytopenia. It causes the swelling of the blood vessels and the spleen to be reduced allowing more blood flow, which increases platelet counts.

“Is dexamethasone safe for toddlers?“

Dexamethasone for treating croup among toddlers

Croup is a condition caused by a virus. It is usually mild, and toddlers will get well without undergoing any medical treatment. However, sometimes a toddler will experience difficulty in breathing.

Dexamethasone reduces inflammation and will enable them to breathe easily. Quite often only a single dosage is required to help them breathe normally, but some toddlers may need an increased dosage.

What forms does dexamethasone come in?

• Liquid medicine: 10mg or 2mg or 5ml

• Tablets: 500mg and 2mg. tablets contain lactose

When should I administer dexamethasone?

Normally a single dosage of dexamethasone is required—your doctor may administer this to your toddler right away.

Your doctor may also give you another dosage of dexamethasone to take home in case your toddler continues to experience breathing problems. Give your child the second dosage 12 hours after the first one, only if he or she is awake and still continues to experience distress and difficulty in breathing

How much dexamethasone should I give?

Your doctor will work out the right amount of dosage to give your child. The medical packaging label will also show the amount of dosage.

How should I administer dexamethasone?

Tablets should be accompanied with a glass of water, juice or milk. Make sure your child doesn’t chew the tablet.

Alternatively, you can pound the tablet to powder and mix it with some honey, yogurt or jam. Make sure your child swallows without chewing.

Liquid medicine: Measure the right amount with an oral syringe or medicine teaspoon. These you can get from a pharmacy. Don’t use the kitchen spoon as it won’t have the right measurements.

When will the medication start working?

Dexamethasone normally starts working within an hour or two after administration, and may take up to 4 hours to cure your toddler’s breathing problems. During this time, try as much to keep your toddler calm. They may or not prefer cuddling, and may find it easier to breathe while sitting upright than laying down. You can also help distract them by playing some soft music, watching TV or reading stories. In all you do, avoid distress as it will only worsen their breathing.

Should your toddler’s breathing deteriorate even after administering the medication, take them back to your doctor.

What if my toddler vomits after using dexamethasone?

• If your toddler falls sick within 30 minutes of ingesting dexamethasone, repeat the same dosage.
• If your toddler falls sick after 30 minutes of ingesting dexamethasone, don’t repeat the dosage.

What happens if I overdose?

Two doses of the medication will unlikely do any harm. If however you are concerned about the amount you administered, contact your doctor or the nearest health institution.

What are the possible side-effects?

Chances of side-effects from just two doses are minimal. Your toddler may however experience hiccups, stomach pain, or may vomit.

Can other medications be taken the same time as dexamethasone?

Medications that contain ibuprofen or paracetamol may be taken.

“Can dexamethasone reduce swelling?”

Dexamethasone for swelling

Dexamethasone is a man-made steroid compound that has been found to be very effective in reducing swelling in a number of medical conditions. The drug is one of the most effective and best tolerated anti-inflammatory medications that reduce swelling and edema caused by arthritis, cancer, lung ailments, and some cancer treatments.

Swelling can be painful and in some diseases can be life threatening. Most swelling that is the result of disease is caused by the buildup of body fluids in the part of the body that is affected by the disease. Dexamethasone mimics the action of anti-inflammatory compounds that are made by the human body. The drug is more efficient in removing the excess fluid that results from disease than the natural compounds made by the body.

Dexamethasone is especially significant in reducing the swelling of the brain that results from brain cancer. The drug is also used to prevent swelling of the brain tissues during chemotherapy treatments for brain cancer.

A part of the brain that swells due to cancer or the treatment of cancer is extremely dangerous. Swelling of one part of the brain can squeeze other parts of the brain and spinal cord producing loss of both physical and mental function. Dexamethasone stops the buildup of fluid and white blood cells in the area of the brain that is affected by cancer. The drug also reduces the nausea that accompanies chemotherapy and improves the patient’s appetite.

Dexamethasone has also been found to be one of the most effective drugs that reduce the swelling and accompanying pain caused by arthritis. Scientists and physician do not know exactly why arthritis causes joints to swell. The pain that accompanies the swelling caused by all forms of arthritis is one of the most frequent complaints of people that have arthritis.

Dexamethasone acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and reduces the swelling that accompanies arthritic conditions. The reduction in swelling brings relief from the pain of arthritis.

Dexamethasone is one of the few drugs that are safe for children and women that are pregnant to take if they suffer from swelling caused by cancer or arthritis. The drug has been proven to have no effect on unborn children’s health or development before birth and after birth.

Dexamethasone is also used to reduce swelling that accompanies many lung diseases like asthma, croup, COPD, and many allergies. Dexamethasone is up to 40 times more effective in reducing the swelling that accompanies lung ailments than the naturally produced compounds from the body. Swelling reduces the air flow to a person’s lungs and is not only uncomfortable but can produce damage to other parts of the body due to lack of the necessary amounts of oxygen.

Dexamethasone is one of the most effective and most frequently used drugs to reduce swelling in many diseases. The drug has few side effects and is not to be used in people that have malaria, some fungal infections, and smallpox.

“Snake bite in human ,dogs, or any pets and its successful cure“