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Infections and Steroids Do Not Mix!

There are times, especially when you are newly diagnosed, that it will appear as though you are in a terrible flare-up.  You will be convinced that you need to see your neurologist and receive a course of IV steroids.
 
Not so fast . . .
 
First make sure you are not having a psuedo-flare up caused by some type of infection. If you have an infection roaming around, it can easily cause an exacerbation of your MS. Likewise, if you have an infection, steroids are not a good mix. First eliminate the infection, then see if your symptoms go away on their own.
 
3 Main Culprits
  • Dental: Check for infected or abscessed teeth. If present a visit to the dentist will probably eliminate the infection causing the MS flare.
  • Sinusitus: This I learned from personal experience. An undetected sinus infection WILL flare up MS symptoms, especially when accompanied by a fever. Normally some antibiotics will help the body rid itself of the infection and all will be well with the MS symptoms as a result.
  • Bladder Infection:  Again another infection that wreaks havoc on the immune system. Cure the bladder problem and the MS problems will most certainly go away.
Doctors will not prescribe steroids while you have an active infection. Immune problems are worsened by steroids. An infection signals an immune response from your body. You do not need steroids reactiving to your immune system while it is already fighting on another front. Cure the infection and then evaluate to see if a visit to your neurologist is necessary.