Steroids for pneumonia?

[longforseaair]

Do you see steroids given for pneumonia? Why or why not?

[EricTAMUCC-BSN, BSN, RN]

seems to me steroids would have a negative effects on wound recovery

i am referring to hydrocortisone, not prednisone. Put a triple antibiotic on one cut and hydrocortisone on another. Tell me which heals faster.

[leslie :-D]

i've seen steroids and abx for the copd'ers.

i have never seen a doc prescribe hydrocortisone for a wound; just for dermal rashes.

[MURSE21]

Yes. Steriods have an anti inflammatory response. I see it used more frequently with pts with COPD and also tranplant pts because it has an antirejection property...hence the side effects...lowered immune system (perfect for transplant pts).

Actually there is a whole debate versus the rationale for administering steroids to a COPD patient. It is not like asthma (eosinophil reaction); it is a neutrophillic reaction and thus humans are actually resistant to the drug. One method of treatment which works effectively is the beta/inhaled steroid combo........HOWEVER, it is because it is theorized that the beta-2 blocker actually allows the steroid to function.

[MURSE21]

Yes. Steriods have an anti inflammatory response. I see it used more frequently with pts with COPD and also tranplant pts because it has an antirejection property...hence the side effects...lowered immune system (perfect for transplant pts).

steroids for COPD? steroids are only given for adjunctive therapy with a beta agonist for COPD therapy; and it is because of the medications "affliate" nature with one another. Steroids solely do not provide anti-inflammatory effects on COPD because it is a neutrophillic inflammation (not eosinophilic IE asthma). This issue has been in controversy for quite some time now.