Steroid Treatments - Uses and Side Effects

Steroid treatments are medications containing corticosteroids that are used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. They are commonly prescribed for conditions such as asthma, arthritis, and skin disorders.

Steroid Treatments FAQ

Image credit: batter.youramys.com

What are steroid tablets used for?

Steroid tablets, also called corticosteroid tablets, are a type of anti-inflammatory medicine used to treat a range of conditions. They can be used to treat problems such as allergies, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, Addison's disease and arthritis. Steroid tablets are only available on prescription.

What are steroid medicines?

Steroids are hormones that occur naturally in the body. Steroid medicines are man-made and are similar to the natural hormones made in the body. The type of steroids used to treat disease are called corticosteroids. They are different to the anabolic steroids which some athletes and bodybuilders use. Anabolic steroids have very different effects.

What are steroid injections used for?

They can be used to treat problems such as joint pain , arthritis, sciatica and inflammatory bowel disease. Steroid injections are only given by healthcare professionals. Common examples include hydrocortisone, triamcinolone and methylprednisolone. Steroid injections are given by a healthcare professional in a hospital, clinic or GP surgery.

What are oral steroids used for?

Oral steroids reduce inflammation and are used for treating many different conditions, including: Asthma. Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis. Arthritis. Multiple sclerosis. Adrenal insufficiency. Hypopituitarism. As part of the treatment for various cancers.