Corticosteroid

Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex and synthesized as medications to treat a range of conditions including inflammation, autoimmune disorders, allergies, and certain types of cancer. These substances work by mimicking the effects of hormones like cortisol, reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system.

Corticosteroid meaning with examples

• Doctors often prescribe corticosteroids to patients suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, where they help to relieve pain and swelling by dampening the immune response that contributes to inflammation.
• In cases of severe asthma attacks, corticosteroids may be administered as inhalers or oral medication to rapidly reduce airway inflammation, allowing patients to breathe more easily and manage their symptoms effectively.
• Corticosteroids are crucial in managing allergic reactions, providing quick relief from symptoms such as hives and swelling by suppressing the extensive inflammatory response triggered by allergens, thereby returning the body to a more stable state.
• Some cancer treatments include corticosteroids to help mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy. By reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune response, these medications can help patients tolerate treatment better and improve their overall quality of life.