Experts Explain How Long-Term Steroid Therapy Affects Kids’ Bone Development
Steroid medications are often prescribed to children for a variety of medical conditions, from asthma and autoimmune diseases to severe allergies. Based on the news on pafikutaikab.org While these drugs can be life-saving and help manage chronic inflammation, experts warn that long-term use may come with serious side effects particularly on bone health. Doctors say parents should understand both the benefits and potential risks before agreeing to extended steroid therapy for their children.
How Steroids Affect the Body
According to Dr. Melissa Grant, a pediatric endocrinologist at the National Children’s Hospital, steroids (also known as corticosteroids) work by suppressing inflammation in the body. “They are powerful medications that can reduce swelling, ease breathing problems, and prevent flare-ups in chronic conditions,” she explains.
However, when used for long periods, these same drugs can interfere with the body’s natural processes, especially those that regulate bone growth and calcium absorption. “Steroids don’t just target inflammation,” Dr. Grant says. “They also impact bone-forming cells and calcium metabolism — two essential components for healthy skeletal development.”
The Impact on Bone Growth and Density
Bones in children are constantly growing and remodeling. During this period, the body needs a steady supply of calcium, vitamin D, and growth hormones. Long-term steroid use disrupts this balance in several ways:
- Reduced calcium absorption: Steroids decrease the gut’s ability to absorb calcium from food, weakening bone structure over time.
- Increased calcium loss: They also cause the kidneys to excrete more calcium, further depleting the body’s reserves.
- Inhibition of bone-building cells: Steroids suppress osteoblast activity — the cells responsible for forming new bone tissue.
- Hormonal imbalance: Prolonged steroid use can reduce growth hormone production, leading to slower height and skeletal growth in children.
Dr. Grant explains, “Over months or years, these effects can accumulate, leading to lower bone density, delayed growth, and a higher risk of fractures — even from minor falls.”
Visible Signs Parents Should Watch For
The symptoms of weakened bones may not be immediately noticeable. However, some warning signs include frequent bone pain, slower growth compared to peers, or fractures that occur with minimal trauma. Doctors recommend regular bone density monitoring for children undergoing steroid therapy lasting more than three months.
“Parents should not panic,” says Dr. Grant. “Short courses of steroids, such as those used for asthma attacks, rarely cause significant bone problems. The concern arises when treatment continues for many months without adequate preventive care.”
How to Protect Bone Health During Treatment
To minimize risks, experts suggest several strategies:
- Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake. Dairy products, leafy greens, and safe sun exposure help strengthen bones. Supplements may be prescribed if dietary sources are insufficient.
- Encourage physical activity. Weight-bearing exercises like walking, running, or playing sports stimulate bone formation.
- Use the lowest effective dose. Doctors often adjust medication plans to limit long-term exposure.
- Regular medical monitoring. Routine check-ups, growth tracking, and bone density scans can detect early changes.
Balancing Benefits and Risks
Despite the potential side effects, steroids remain essential for managing many pediatric conditions. The key, according to Dr. Grant, is careful medical supervision. “We don’t want families to fear steroids,” she says. “Used correctly, they save lives. But they must always be balanced with strategies to protect long-term health — especially the bones that support a child’s future.”
In short, while steroids can be powerful allies in treatment, parents and doctors must work together to ensure that healing today doesn’t compromise healthy growth tomorrow.Source: Persatuan Ahli Farmasi Indonesia
