Which of the following is a potential side effect of long-term corticosteroid use?

Long-term corticosteroid use can lead to numerous physiological changes in the body, one of the most significant being immunosuppression. Corticosteroids work by mimicking the effects of hormones your body produces naturally in your adrenal glands. When used over an extended period, these agents can suppress the immune system's function, making patients more susceptible to infections and reducing the effectiveness of the immune response.

This immunosuppressive effect occurs because corticosteroids inhibit the activation and proliferation of immune cells, thereby dampening the inflammatory response that is crucial for fighting infections and other foreign invaders. This side effect is particularly important to monitor in patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy, ensuring that they receive appropriate vaccinations and are educated about infection risks.

The other choices, such as increased hair growth, height increase, and improved sleep quality, are not commonly associated with long-term corticosteroid use. In fact, corticosteroids can lead to various other side effects such as weight gain, osteoporosis, and mood changes, all of which can affect overall quality of life. However, the primary concern remains the significant risk of immunosuppression.