Asthma steroids and arthritis?

[Gwen30]

Anyone else have steroid induced arthritis ,my consultant thinks I have it because of being on steroids for decades!

[strongmouse]

I have not heard of that Gwen but as presumably you needed the steroids I guess that is one of the side effects we need to put up with in order to breathe well! Arthritis is a common condition and the link may not be definite.

When I was talking to the asthma nurse about the side effects of one of my inhalers she asked me, which would you prefer to have the asthma under control or deal with the side effects? A good question. I had already changed from different medication. Sometimes it is impossible not to have side effects from medication. It just depends how severe they are.

[Hidden]

Are we talking about inhaled steroids? If so, I’ve also been on inhaled steroids for decades (over thirty years now) and I don’t have arthritis yet, though I will be surprised if I don’t get it somewhere eventually: slipped knees, frequently turned ankles, a broken 5th metatarsal thirty five years ago etc. all increase the risk for me I believe.

Don’t know about oral steroids.

Side effects are a known possible consequence of most medications, but I’m profoundly grateful that I have something that keeps my asthma under control. As strongmouse says, I’ve never heard of arthritis being a side effect before, though someone on the forum may know otherwise.

[Stitcherrach]

Hi Gwen, totally with you. Been on prednisolone 20yrs due to Chronic Brittle Asthma. I have severe Cushings syndrome which is the umbrella term for steroid side effects. I have fractured both my feet numerous times, diabetes, arthritis & fibromyalgia, but without the steroids I wouldn't be here. Good luck