Steroids, more precisely known as corticosteroids, are a class of anti-inflammatory medications prescribed to manage a wide spectrum of medical conditions. It’s important to distinguish them from anabolic steroids, which are related but misused for muscle enhancement and are often associated with illegal use.
Types of Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are available in various forms to suit different needs and conditions. Common types include:
- Tablets or oral liquids: These are systemic steroids, meaning they affect the whole body.
- Injections: Can be joint injections for localized pain relief or systemic injections for broader effects.
- Creams and ointments: Topical steroids applied directly to the skin for skin conditions.
- Inhalers and nasal sprays: Used to treat respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies.
- Eye drops: To manage inflammation in the eyes.
- Ear drops: To treat ear infections and inflammation.
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Alt text: A collection of different corticosteroid medications, showcasing creams in tubes, tablets in blister packs, and inhalers, illustrating the diverse forms available.
While most corticosteroids require a prescription from a healthcare professional, some milder forms, such as certain topical creams or nasal sprays, can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies and retail stores.
How Corticosteroids Work
Corticosteroids are synthetic versions of hormones naturally produced by the adrenal glands, two small glands situated above the kidneys. Their primary function is to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
- Reducing Inflammation: Corticosteroids effectively reduce redness, swelling, heat, and pain associated with inflammation. This makes them valuable in treating inflammatory conditions such as asthma, eczema, and arthritis.
- Suppressing the Immune System: They can also dampen the activity of the immune system, the body’s defense mechanism against illness and infection. This is beneficial in treating autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.
Uses of Corticosteroids
Due to their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, corticosteroids are used to treat a diverse range of conditions, including:
- Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): To reduce airway inflammation and improve breathing.
- Allergic reactions: To manage severe allergic reactions, including skin rashes and anaphylaxis.
- Skin conditions: Such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis to reduce itching, redness, and inflammation.
- Joint conditions: Like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout to relieve pain and swelling in joints.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD): Including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Lupus and other autoimmune diseases: To control the overactive immune response.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): To manage relapses by reducing inflammation in the nervous system.
- Certain cancers: To manage side effects of chemotherapy and sometimes as part of cancer treatment.
- Eye conditions: Like uveitis and conjunctivitis to reduce inflammation and protect vision.
- Organ transplantation: To prevent organ rejection by suppressing the immune system.
Side Effects of Corticosteroids
When taken for short durations or at low doses, corticosteroids generally do not cause significant side effects. However, they can sometimes lead to unwanted effects, particularly with prolonged use or higher doses, especially with steroid tablets. Common side effects may include:
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Mood changes, including irritability, anxiety, or euphoria
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Fluid retention and swelling
- Increased blood sugar levels
- Thinning skin and easy bruising
- Increased risk of infections
- Muscle weakness
- Stomach upset or ulcers
These side effects usually subside once the treatment is completed. It’s crucial not to stop taking prescribed corticosteroids abruptly without consulting your doctor. Your doctor will guide you on how to gradually reduce the dosage to prevent withdrawal symptoms and ensure your condition is managed effectively.
For more detailed information, you can explore further resources on the specific side effects associated with different types of corticosteroids. You can also report any suspected side effects through the Yellow Card Scheme in the UK, or similar reporting systems in other countries.
Steroid Cards: Treatment and Emergency Information
Patients requiring high doses of corticosteroids may be advised to carry a steroid treatment card (usually blue) or a steroid emergency card (usually red). Discuss with your doctor if you need these cards.
- Blue Steroid Treatment Card: Contains details about your steroid medication, dosage, and important advice on minimizing side effects.
- Red Steroid Emergency Card: Alerts healthcare professionals that you are taking steroids, which is crucial information in case of medical emergencies or if you are unable to communicate.
Always inform doctors, dentists, or pharmacists about your steroid use, and show them your steroid card if you have one, especially before any medical or dental procedures. This ensures they can make informed decisions about your care, considering your steroid medication.
Page last reviewed: October 26, 2023. Next review due: October 26, 2025.
