Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] hi Sir,, i am 28 yrs old,having bronchial asthma. i am on inhaled corticosteroids( foracort 400 rotacap twice daily for about last 8 yrs,,) i notice increase in abdominal fat & probably some gynaecomastia. is it because of these steroids? i gargle everytime i use them. is it safe to continue till long? i heard steroids decrese libido on longterm use. are all these side effects possible to develop for me?
[|AI|]  Hello, Thank you for asking at Chat Doctor. I went through your query and would like to make suggestions for you as follows:1. Side effects of corticosteroids are numerous - obesity, hypertension, diabetes, cataract, glaucoma, reduced immunity, gastritis, reduced libido, osteoporosis, personality changes, etc. etc. However, such side effects are more commonly seen with oral steroids. They are seen only with long term use of high dose inhaled corticosteroids. Gargling after each use also reduces absorption of steroids into body as you have been already doing.2. Common side effects of inhaled corticosteroids are oral thrush, change in voice, local irritation, etc. 3. However, it is always preferable to try to reduce dose of inhaled corticosteroids as much as possible. Were I treating you, I would add montelukast in your regular treatment, which may reduce your inhaled corticosteroid requirements.4. I would also suggest you allergy testing, which will help you identify the substances causing symptoms to you as well as to know the measures to avoid them.5. Based on allergy testing, an Allergist-Immunologist may prescribe you allergen specific immunotherapy which works on immune system to gradually improve your allergy symptoms.6. Regular breathing exercises and a healthy diet rich in vitamins & minerals (adequate amounts of green leafy vegetables, fruits, sprouts, etc.) will also help you in a long run by improving your lung capacity and immunity respectively and thereby reducing inhaled corticosteroid requirements on a long run. Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you. Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at Chat Doctor. Wish you the best of the health ahead. Thank you & Regards.