Steroids

Chronic steroid use needs to be made clear. Tell the staff how long your son has been using steroids and if he has missed a dose. It is also important to let the doctors know if your son used steroids in the past.

• Steroids can dampen the stress response so extra steroids may be needed if someone on chronic steroids is unwell.
• Steroids can increase the risk of stomach ulceration.
• Rarely other complications can present acutely.

Information based on consensus statement (published in January 2010)