Steroids

The anti-inflammatory drugs known as steroids, or corticosteroids, are used to treat a variety of ailments. 

Types of steroids

There are numerous types of steroids.

The primary kinds are:

• Liquids and tablets, including prednisone
• Inhalers, including fluticasone and beclometasone
• Nasal sprays, including fluticasone and beclometasone
• Injections, such as methylprednisolone, that are administered into blood vessels, muscles, or joints
• Lotions, gels, and creams—like hydrocortisone for skin

Some steroids (such as lotions or nasal sprays) can be purchased from pharmacies and retail stores, but most are only available with a prescription.

Side effects of Steroids

If steroids are administered for a brief period or at a low dosage, they rarely have serious side effects.
However, they can occasionally result in undesirable side effects including mood swings, increased hunger, and trouble sleeping (insomnia). With steroid tablets, this is the most common.
After your treatment is over, the adverse effects should normally go away but do not stop taking your medication without first talking to your doctor. If required, your doctor will advise you on gradually lowering your dosage. Sudden discontinuation of a prescribed medication therapy may result in additional unpleasant side effects (withdrawal symptoms).

Uses of Steroids

A variety of illnesses can be treated with steroids, such as:

• COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma

• Hay fever

• severe hives.

• Eczema

• Muscle or joint pain, including frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, and arthritis

• pain, like acute sciatica, that results from a trapped or inflamed nerve.

• Crohn's disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases

How do Steroids work?

The adrenal glands are two tiny glands located above the kidneys that typically generate hormones. Steroids are a synthetic form of these hormones.
Steroids reduce inflammation, or redness and swelling. Eczema and asthma are two inflammatory diseases that may benefit from this. The body's natural defense against disease and infection, the immune system, is also less active when using steroids.
Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which are brought on by the immune system unintentionally attacking the body, can be treated with this.