Beware Of The Use Of Excessive Steroids, The Risk Of Osteoporosis Lurking Children And Youth

JAKARTA - Consumption of drugs containing steroids is often considered effective for easing inflammation or allergies. However, if used without medical supervision or in the long term, the impact can be serious, one of which triggers osteoporosis or bone fragility, even in children and adolescents.

This condition occurs because steroids can interfere with the process of bone formation, so that bone density decreases and increases the risk of fractures.

endocrinological consultant pediatrician Frida Soesanti explained that the use of steroid-based drugs in the long term or excessively can have a direct impact on children's bone health.

"Osteoporosis can be caused by the use of steroids. So, steroids are for example Prednisone, Methylprenisolone, Dexamethasone. This is used if needed, if necessary, if daily, such as coughing colds, children don't need to be given," said dr. Frida Soesanti, SpA, Subsp Endo(K), PhD in an online health discussion from Jakarta, as quoted by ANTARA.

As a member of the Endocrinology Coordination Unit of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), dr. Frida emphasized that drugs containing steroids should only be used according to clear medical indications. Long-term use, especially without a doctor's prescription, can cause serious side effects on the bones and child's growth.

He gave an example, even in adults, the small dose of Prednisone about 10 mg consumed for 90 days was able to increase the risk of fractures by up to 18 times and the risk of fractures by seven times.

"In our backbone, it is to protect the nerves in it. The fracture in the backbone should not be imagined as if it was broken in the leg or on the leg, that's actually visible. If it's on the back, it's invisible, the child just feels sore," explained dr. Frida.

As Head of the Children's Endocrinology Division of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia RSUPN dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, he emphasized that steroid use should only be given when it is really needed medically.

"We only give spheroids if necessary. For example, the child is having a severe asthma attack, because it is necessary, but for a while, it stops. Children with fire are indeed one of the regimes for chemotherapy is steroids. But for everyday, the child coughs colds, allergies, the medicine is not steroid," he said.

Furthermore, dr. Frida reminded that improper use of steroids can hinder child growth.

"Don't regularly use steroids, because it affects (risk) broken bones. Then, the child is short, because it affects bone growth, height growth. Steroids are only given if needed," he said.

He also highlighted the importance of parental vigilance against drugs or ingredients without distribution permits, which have the potential to contain hidden steroids. Such content can be undetected, but side effects remain risky for children.