title: Oral corticosteroids in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps: Risks and benefits.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Oral steroids are synthetic mimics of adrenal cortex hormones and are considered a staple in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis due to their anti-inflammatory effects. Despite their common use, many providers are not familiar with the potential risks of the drugs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An overview of the existing data on the risks of oral steroids is presented as well as a review of the malpractice lawsuits with regard to oral steroid use and a discussion of the data that support the use of oral steroids in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with and those without nasal polyps.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is essential for providers to be aware of the potential complications of a medication, the medical jurisprudence of the drugs, and the data that support their use.
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Poetker
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D002908:Chronic Disease; D019468:Disease Management; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D009298:Nasal Polyps / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids