Cortisone injection for allergy

Cortisone is an endogenous hormone produced in the adrenal cortex that affects numerous vital processes such as metabolism, blood circulation, immune and nervous systems in the human body. However, cortisone is also used colloquially to refer to cortisone-like agents. Glucocorticoids suppress the reactions of the immune system and inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory messenger substances.

These properties lead to good results in the treatment of allergies since the allergic reaction is prevented and at the same time the development of inflammatory processes is prevented. The mucous membranes can decongest, the itching of the nose, eyes and skin disappears and after a short time allergy sufferers have peace from the annoying symptoms for the time being.

Glucocorticoids are available in many dosage forms and concentrations, including anti-allergic medications. But these cortisone-like agents can also have unwanted side effects and should not be used over a long period of time.

A cortisone injection suppresses the formation of messenger substances, which stops inflammatory reactions. The active ingredient therefore prevents allergy symptoms such as sneezing, eye itching, skin rash and shortness of breath from occurring. The immune system is put out of action for a short time, whereby, for example, hay fever or itching quickly calm down and the affected person can breathe freely again. 

While cortisone-like agents in the external local treatment of allergies nowadays have rather low side effects, the systemic use by tablets or injections can be associated with risks.

Therefore, a cortisone injection is not suitable for allergy sufferers who only have to deal with mild symptoms. It is used, among other things, in an emergency, when symptoms are excessive, worsen, shortness of breath or allergic asthma occurs and none of the other treatment options have any effect. So the cortisone injection is really a last resort and is only given by the doctor in exceptional cases.

The injection of cortisone-like agents can help for a short time against severe allergy symptoms. However, the effect is not long-lasting. A cortisone injection suppresses the immune system for only a few hours and is only suitable for acute treatment of symptoms. As soon as the body has broken down the active substance, the allergy symptoms can also return. For a permanent treatment, risks and side effects should be weighed carefully.

By the way, a cortisone injection is not to be confused with an allergy vaccination. Allergy vaccination, medically referred to as specific immunotherapy (SIT) usually takes place over about three years and gradually accustoms the

immune system to the allergy trigger. Following therapy, many allergy sufferers may be completely or nearly symptom-free because the cause has been eliminated, namely the immune system's overreaction to a harmless substance.

While the use of cortisone-like agents has been very successful in treating allergies, there are undesirable side effects. Injecting the active ingredient can cause the following side effects when used regularly throughout the body:

• Thinning of the skin
• Change in skin texture
• Pigment changes
• Bone fragility, Tendency to osteoporosis
• Increase in blood sugar levels
• Increase in blood lipid levels
• Increase in weight
• Water retention in the tissues
• Wound healing disorders
• Growth disorders
• Mood swings

Preparations with glucocorticoids should therefore generally only be used for a short period of time and always exactly according to the doctor's recommendations - no matter, whether externally or internally. For long-term therapy, they are suitable only in exceptional cases and only as part of a therapy under medical supervision. After prolonged use, slow tapering of the active substance is necessary. That is, the dose is gradually reduced in order to stimulate the body's own cortisone production in the adrenal cortex again.