Prednisone
Prednisone works to mimic natural anti-inflammatory substances. It acts much like cortisol, which is a natural protective hormone already found in the body. The adrenal gland, located at the top of the kidneys, makes cortisol as a natural response to stress. Prednisone is commonly diagnosed to people who have suffered serious injury or undergo surgery. Immune processes that occur naturally in the body are somewhat diminished in patients weakened by injury or disease, however. Prednisone is also prescribed to reduce tumors and to help treat other brain-related illnesses.
Side effects
The endocrine system has dynamic and natural protective mechanisms that are connected with the immune system to help the body during illness or injury. Both the nervous and endocrine systems are "boss" in the disease-fighting processes. When someone is sick, the body tries to heal itself, sending signals to the brain and kidneys that bacteria is present. The body then responds by swelling at the site to protect other areas from potential injury. The endocrine system essentially wants to oust or evict something that doesn't belong there. If a person is injured or undergoes surgery, the body behaves the same way. In most respects, it cannot tell the difference between sickness or injury, so it responds to both the same way. One of the side effects of Prednisone is that it adversely affects insulin levels in both adults and children. If your insulin is fluxing, sugar may remain in your bloodstream for too long. Blood is essentially supposed to transmit sugar to your cells for energy. If sugar remains in the blood too long, both the nervous and endocrine systems cannot work properly. This can cause further damage to the heart, lungs and other vital areas.
Risk and Treatment
Understand that Prednisone works like a steroid. There are risks associated with steroid use, as well. Most believe, however, the benefits far out weigh the risks, provided patients are very careful and forthcoming with their doctors about any preexisting condition they may have. If you have a medical illness, like diabetes for example, be sure to tell your health care provider before using Prednisone.
Tags: endocrine system, endocrine systems, natural protective, nervous endocrine, nervous endocrine systems