asthma oral steroids

[flow1]

hi doctor,  I was given a course of oral steoids from my doctor to treat my asthma. they were steroids i needed to take eight a day of for a week. it was the first time i had ever taken steroids and on the seventh days of taking them , I got cronic diahorhea and agonising cramps in my stomach. These symptons have stayed with me for nearly two weeks now. my back is in pain and my stomach very bloated. I do have irritable bowel syndrome but it is very controlled and these symptons feel different to it.  I have been back to my doctor who said it seems like a reaction to the steroids. could this be right?  if so how long should i expect the symptons to last ?  could the steroids have given me a stomach ulcer or maybe the start of chrons? should they be sending me for any tests rather than just asuming ?   please help. thankyou.

[National Jewish Health]

It would be very unusual for steroids to directly cause diarrhea, or to cause it indirectly by triggering worsening of your irritable bowel.  Your doctors should not assume that the steroids are the cause of diarrhea.  Adverse effects of steroids reported include:  peptic ulcer, abdominal bloating and pancreatitis.  If your symptoms are related to steroid ingestion, the symptoms may or may not quickly resolve, with discontinuation of the drug.