![two physicians holding up black stethoscopes](https://optimeddoctors.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/doctors-stethoscopes-1024x683.jpg)
The surgical process is often stressful on the mind and body. A patient’s last need is to feel tense and nervous after their appointment.
Steroid stress dosing is becoming a more commonly requested option in clinical settings. Every patient will react slightly differently to steroids depending on their health, the surgery in question, and any medication they’re taking. While these resources can help patients recover more quickly, applying them across the board is challenging.
Stress dose steroids need to be continually reviewed for best practices. Below is our steroid stress dosing guide to help you figure out if this option is suitable for your patients.
Providing the best medical care starts with building relationships. We provide in-patient and out-patient services across fourteen facilities to cover as many people as possible.
Related: What is a Hospitalist?
In What Situations is Stress Dose Steroids Needed?
Stress dose steroids aren’t needed for every single situation. Save these tools for patients with complex conditions such as autoimmune inflammatory disease or chronic asthma.
Stress dose steroids provide the patient with much-needed support in a stressful medical setting or with post-surgery complications. Due to the tricky nature of pre-existing conditions, patients who undergo surgery may also experience the following conditions post-surgery:
- Hypertension
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hypoglycemia
- Shock
What is Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison’s Disease)? (100 words)
Adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s Disease, is a dangerous condition that needs immediate treatment. This illness is often life-threatening due to its variety of severe symptoms.
Adrenal insufficiency symptoms include the following:
- Hyponatremia
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Severe fatigue
Stress dose steroids are just one way to treat adrenal insufficiency in children and adults. Not only do you need to prescribe the proper dosage, you also need to work hard to combat psychological stress in the patient. Too much tension will slow down recovery or even make symptoms worse.
Dangers of Psychological Stress
While a bit of stress once in a while is a healthy human reaction, chronic stress is hazardous. Ongoing psychological stress contributes to several severe physical and mental health issues.
A recent study by the APA found nearly 80% of Americans today struggling with significant stress concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Understandably, psychological stress in a medical setting doesn’t bode well for a patient’s recovery. Being able to spot psychological stress in your patient means speaking with them one-on-one as much as possible.
Chronic stress over several months can causes issues such as:
- Sleep disturbance
- Low energy
- Aches and pains
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Irritability, anxiety, or emotional numbness
- Depressive episodes
Related: How Healthy Is America Compared To Other Countries?
We believe that no healthcare regimen should be generalized. Our practice management works hard to accommodate your personal needs on an ongoing basis.
![a doctor's office with a white bed, gray curtain, and brown desk](https://optimeddoctors.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/exam-room-1024x576.jpg)
Stress Dose Steroids Guidelines (3 or 4 sentences)
Stress dose steroids come in different strengths with unique side effects and benefits. Choosing the right type and dosage is key to providing a patient with a smooth post-recovery experience.
Florinef
Florinef is short for fludrocortisone acetate, a recently approved generic tablet for stress dose steroids. Pharmacies designed this version primarily for treating Addison’s Disease.
This stress dose steroid is now off the market due to widespread generic availability.
Tamiflu
Tamiflu is short for oseltamivir phosphate, recently approved by the FDA to treat various forms of influenza in patients. These tables come in 30mg and 45mg capsules and are able to treat patients as young as one year old.
Exforge
Exforge has also been recently approved by the FDA in a single-tablet form. This medication is used primarily to treat hypertension in patients who are unable to take longer dosage regimens.
Prosom
Prosom is the term for the estazolam niche of medication and was used to treat various forms of insomnia in patients. These tablets came in generic availability and could be combined with other medication.
Prosom is not used for children due to its side effects and is now off the market.
Permax
Permax is the brand term for pergolide. This tablet is no longer used to causing serious heart valve damage over time.
![a doctor in a white lab coat shaking hands with a business partner](https://optimeddoctors.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/doctor-shaking-hands-1024x683.jpg)
Considerations to Make for Stress Dose Steroids Patients
Today’s biggest challenge for hospitalists is anticipating the needs of patients before and after surgery. Not every patient will have the same cortisol response, which makes proper dosage and follow-up critical.
Patients with adrenal insufficiency are going to need more oversight than patients without the condition. Glucocorticoids are a common factor to consider when prescribing stress dose steroids, as well as patients who are HPA axis suppressed.
Not all patients will need the benefit of stress dose steroids depending on their age, health, and current medications. Likewise, some patients may not be comfortable trying out medication they’re not familiar with. Providing an individualized treatment plan will bode best for their post-surgery or post-treatment outcome.
Related: How Technology Helps Hospitals
Are you searching for a medical partner or a new practice? Contact us today to enjoy the efficient and personalized medicine care.