How safe is usage of cortisone shot for allergies?
Patient: Hi, my name is Deborah and I have always suffered with allergies I went to the doctor about three weeks ago and I was given a cortisone shot and some antibiotics. I began to feel fine and now I am sneezing every ten minutes it seems. The only thing that I'm doing is the nasal spay, please help Doctor: Hello Deborah,Thank you for asking at HCM.I went through your history and would like to make suggestions for you as follows:1. Cortisone is a systemic steroid. I would prefer to use it only when syptoms are very severe and other medications are not working. I would not suggest frequent use of cortisone for nose allergies.2. I would like to know which nasal spray you are using - intranasal corticosteroid or other.3. Were I treating you, I would suggest you regular use of intranasal corticosteroid for at least 4 weeks.4. All the medications for nose allergies actually can only "control" symptoms but cannot "cure" allergy itself.5. Hence I would suggest you allergy testing for common air-borne allergens like house dust mites, common indoor molds, common pollens in your area, insect proteins and pet dander (if you have contact with pets).This will help you identify the substances causing allergies to you as well as to know the measures to avoid them.6. Based on allergy testing, an Allergist-Immunologist may prescribe you allergen specific immunotherapy which works on immune system to gradually improve allergy symptoms over a long period.7. In general, I would suggest you to avoid exposure to dusts, smokes and air pollution as much as possible.8. I would also suggest you healthy diet rich in vitamins & minerals as well as vitamin C for at least 4 weeks. This will improve your immunity.Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you.Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at HCM.Wish you the best of the health ahead and a very good recovery.Thank you & Regards.