What is a potential risk associated with long-term corticosteroid use?

Long-term corticosteroid use is associated with several significant risks, and osteoporosis, adrenal suppression, and an increased risk of infections are among the most concerning. Corticosteroids can lead to osteoporosis by decreasing bone formation and increasing bone resorption, making bones more fragile and susceptible to fractures over time.

Adrenal suppression occurs because the body’s natural production of corticosteroids is downregulated in response to the external supply from medication. This can lead to adrenal insufficiency if the medication is suddenly stopped, resulting in a dangerous hormonal imbalance.

Furthermore, corticosteroids can compromise the immune system by inhibiting the functions of various immune cells, making patients more susceptible to infections. This can be particularly problematic as underlying conditions being treated may already compromise a patient's health.

Other options do not represent the well-documented complications associated with chronic corticosteroid therapy. Increased vitamin absorption and improved immune response contradict the established adverse effects of corticosteroids. Decreased appetite and fatigue may occur in some individuals but are not as critical or prevalent as the issues of osteoporosis, adrenal suppression, and infection risk.