Q My ENT doctor prescribed oral steroids. Is it okay to take them together with herbal medicine?
A Oral steroids are effective for quickly suppressing inflammation of the olfactory epithelium, and no major interactions with short-term herbal medicine use have generally been reported. However, since steroids can place a burden on the digestive system, it is safest to be sure to tell your Korean medicine doctor that you are taking them so the prescription can be adjusted.
Detailed Answer
Oral steroids (such as prednisolone) are used to suppress acute inflammation and swelling of the olfactory epithelium and aid recovery from conductive smell disorder. With short-term use, no serious drug interactions with herbal medicine are generally known, but because steroids themselves can irritate the stomach lining and affect blood sugar and blood pressure, they can burden digestive function. If digestive irritation is a concern, it is advisable to remove irritating herbs from the prescription or adjust the timing of administration.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we always confirm steroid use at the first visit and design a prescription that emphasizes protection of the digestive system. A two-track strategy of controlling surface inflammation with steroids while creating an environment for mucosal regeneration with herbal medicine is often effective. If you plan to combine the two treatments, please be transparent with both medical teams from the start.
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