Corticosteroid Health Benefits and Side Effects

Corticosteroids are steroid hormones made in the outer layer of the adrenal gland, a region known as the adrenal cortex. We have two adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney. The corticosteroids in our bodies have many different functions.

Artificial corticosteroids are used as medications. These medications are frequently used as anti-inflammatory drugs. They are also used to suppress the activity of the immune system. This suppression is useful in autoimmune diseases and in organ transplants. In addition, corticosteroids are used to make patients being treated for cancer feel more comfortable. However, corticosteroid medications have side effects, which may be serious.

Corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids, which are structurally related to the male sex hormone testosterone, have very different functions from corticosteroids. Anabolic steroids stimulate the development of muscle mass. They are helpful in maintaining muscle in people with AIDS and are sometimes prescribed for men with hormone problems. Anabolic steroids are also used by some athletes to help build muscle. In the concentrations used by athletes, anabolic steroids can cause very serious side effects.

A steroid is a molecule made of four connected rings of atoms. Important steroids in humans are cholesterol, vitamin D, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol and aldosterone are made by the adrenal cortex and are classified as corticosteroids.

Corticosteroids in the body are either mineral corticoids or glucocorticoids. Aldosterone is a mineral corticoid that helps to control the level of sodium ions and water in the blood. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid and has many functions. Some of these functions are to increase the level of glucose in the blood, decrease the activity of the immune system, help in the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, reduce inflammation and help the body respond to stress.

Inhaled corticosteroids are often prescribed for asthma. They are used in low doses every day to reduce inflammation in the airways. Inhaled corticosteroids cause fewer side effects than oral corticosteroids. The corticosteroids must be inhaled regularly, even when a person is not experiencing asthma attacks, and are known as preventer or controller medicines. A different medication, called a rescue medicine, is inhaled during an asthma attack.

Inhaled corticosteroids are very effective at preventing asthma attacks in many people, but they can cause mouth or throat problems. The most common problem is the development of a yeast infection inside the mouth, which is known as thrush. Patients are advised to rinse their mouths out thoroughly after each use of the inhaler to prevent this infection from developing. There may also be mouth or throat irritation, or hoarseness.

Three common inhaled corticosteroids for controlling asthma, which are sold under various brand names, are budesonide, fluticasone and beclomethasone.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system, which normally fights disease-causing bacteria and viruses that enter the body, instead attacks the lining of the sufferer’s joints, causing inflammation, swelling and pain. Oral or injected corticosteroids reduce or relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Prednisone and prednisolone are common oral corticosteroids given to arthritis patients.

Doctors prefer to prescribe oral corticosteroids at low doses or for short periods if possible due to the potential side effects. The most common side effects of oral corticosteroid use are appetite increase, weight gain, increased body fat, mood changes and fluid retention. There may also be increased blood pressure and fluid buildup in the eye, producing an eye disorder called glaucoma.

If a person takes oral corticosteroids for a long time, he or she may develop osteoporosis, muscle weakness, cataracts, high blood sugar, skin bruising, slow healing of wounds and acne. There may also be stomach ulcers and an increased incidence of infections (due to suppression of the immune system by the corticosteroid). Children and teenagers may experience slowed growth.

If a person stops taking oral corticosteroids, the medications must be reduced slowly under a doctor’s guidance. Artificial corticosteroids may reduce the production of natural cortisol by the adrenal glands. A gradual reduction in corticosteroid medication allows the adrenal glands to slowly recover and helps prevent the patient from experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Corticosteroids are not as widely used to treat osteoarthritis as they are to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroids are sometimes injected into the affected joints of people suffering from osteoarthritis and have provided temporary relief from pain.

Corticosteroids are sometimes prescribed in other autoimmune diseases in addition to rheumatoid arthritis, such as lupus and the autoimmune form of Addison's disease. In Addison's disease the adrenal glands stop producing enough cortisol and aldosterone.

Sometimes corticosteroid nose sprays are prescribed to relieve allergy symptoms such as a stuffy and runny nose, itching and sneezing. These nose sprays may cause side effects, which can include a burning sensation in the nose or occasionally nosebleeds. Some people experience an unpleasant taste or smell after using a corticosteroid nose spray. However, side effects from corticosteroids in nose sprays are less common than those caused by oral corticosteroids.

Corticosteroids are also added to some eye drops to treat eyes that are inflamed and itchy due to an allergic reaction.

Topical corticosteroids are rubbed on the skin, where they help relieve the itch and redness of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema. The corticosteroid, which may be added to a cream, lotion or gel, is not a cure for the skin condition but does relieve the symptoms.

Topical corticosteroids produce fewer side effects than oral corticosteroids, unless the corticosteroid cream is rubbed over large areas of the body or is used for a long time. In these cases, a significant amount of the corticosteroid may be absorbed into the body. The most common side effect of topical steroid use is thinning of the skin.

Non-prescription creams or lotions containing a low dose of a corticosteroid called hydrocortisone can be bought in drug stores to relieve itchy skin and skin irritations cause by factors such as insect bites, poison ivy and allergic reactions to detergents or cosmetics. More concentrated hydrocortisone creams can be obtained with a prescription.

Since corticosteroids are strongly anti-inflammatory they are prescribed to reduce swelling and pain in cancer patients. They are also used with other drugs to reduce nausea and vomiting created by chemotherapy treatment.

Corticosteroids are powerful drugs that can be extremely helpful in relieving pain and inflammation. However, they can cause unpleasant or dangerous side effects. The potential side effects may be serious if oral corticosteroids are used. A doctor's advice should be followed very carefully when a person is taking corticosteroid medication.