Corticosteroids refer to a class of drugs used to treatinflammatory arthritisand other inflammatory conditions.
However, while they share some molecular properties, the two are quite different.
The causes may include undescended testicles, testicle injury, pituitary disorders, obesity, and advanced HIV infection.
The majority of people who misuse steroids are male weight lifters in their 20s or 30s.
Steroid misuse is much less common in women.
Corticosteroids act on the immune system by blocking the production of substances that trigger allergic and inflammatory responses.
Benefits and Risks
Corticosteroids are powerful drugs that can quickly reduce inflammation while enhancing recovery.
Stopping too quickly can result in withdrawal symptoms and a potentially life-threatening adrenal crisis.
Depending on your health status, other options may deliver the same relief with far less risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes and no.
Scientifically speaking, a steroid is a compound made up of four fused rings of 17 carbon atoms.
Corticosteroids are, by definition, steroids.
Corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids.
Corticosteroid drugs are synthetic medications that match the molecular structure of cortisol.
Corticosteroids are available over the counter or by prescription as oral medications, topical preparations, and nasal sprays.
Corticosteroids can be delivered in different ways.
Most commonly, they come in oral, inhaled, and topical formulations.
As an anti-inflammatory, corticosteroids block the production of inflammation-triggering prostaglandins.
This relieves redness, swelling, and pain.
As an immunosuppressive, corticosteroids suppress the immune system and commonly treat autoimmune diseases.
Corticosteroids impair the production of T-cells.
As a vasoconstrictive, corticosteroids block the inflammatory compound histidine.
This reduces mucus secretions that cause respiratory congestion.
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