Is this dangerous to have steroids for common cold like symptoms?
Patient: I had open heart surgery 2 years ago and am on the normal meds a person with heart disease would be on. I went to the clinic today due to a serious cold, headaches, right chest aching inside (figured this was my lung), coughing up yellow junk, sneezing, etc. They gave me a shot in the hip that had steroids and an antibiotic in it. Is this dangerous? Doctor: Hello,  While normally I wouldn't give steroids and antibiotics for cold symptoms since the side effects and risks probably outweigh the benefits, most of the time patients do not have any problems, and I don't see anything with your condition that would make me especially concerned. So while I probably wouldn't have given you this shot, you will probably be alright. The most common side effects from the steroids are stomach irritation and possibly ulcers, as well as problems with sleep, while with antibiotics you might get diarrhea or rash. There are many other side effects but these would be some of the more common ones.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Regards, Dr. Aaron Branch, General & Family Physician