Some studies have displayed that pneumonia may be avoided due to certain steroids in some cases

The French have conducted certain researches linked with pneumonia and steroids. According to the results of their researches, those who have brain injuries may avoid complications connected with pneumonia, if they are cured with the steroid hydrocortisone. These latest studies have displayed some positive effects of steroids for medical needs.
Pneumonia which is caused by traumatic brain injury is a dangerous illness. Unfortunately, it occurs frequently. The Journal of the American Medical Association has noted that the percentage of pneumonia which occurs due to traumas is 40-60 %. It is more spread among patients that have experienced brain injuries.
Early post-traumatic pneumonia requires serious medical care and hospitalization. The risk of death is quite high. Undoubtedly, prevention of this disease is clinical and economic issue.
Dr. Antoine Roquilly of the University of Nantes in France has stated that experimental and clinical data have demonstrated that usage of corticosteroids can reduce the appearing as well as severity of pneumonia.
A study connected with this problem was conducted 3 years from 2006 to 2009. 150 persons that had different types of dangerous brain injuries were treated with the steroid hydrocortisone. Other patients with this disease were treated only with sugar pills. Over half of persons that were cured with sugar pills started to suffer from pneumonia over the month. As for those who were cured with hydrocortisone, the results were better. Less than 36 % of them got pneumonia during the same period of time. Thus, they didn’t need to be ventilated mechanically. Furthermore, they prevented respiratory problems which troubled the persons who were given sugar pills.
Dr. Lisandro Irizarry of the Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York City has noticed that the study is interesting but it requires further researches in order to be considered a part of usual treatment.
Actually, any person that has experienced a brain injury may confront the problem, when he/she doesn’t have ability to engage in normal oral hygiene and routine expectorating of mucus. It may result in great amounts of bacteria. It enhances the risk of pneumonia. So, when a body has such stress, as a trauma, certain hormones, including hydrocortisone, should assist in healing. But this process can be suppressed by trauma. That’s why such person needs an external supplement of steroids for a short period of time in order to enhance healing responses of the body.
Although these studies have proven effectiveness of the steroid hydrocortisone for persons with brain injuries, some more studies have to be conducted. It demonstrates that steroids have ability to save lives of people in certain situations.