Steroids - Medications with Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Steroids are a class of natural and synthetic hormones that have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, used for various medical conditions.
Category
Medication
Where to get
Available by prescription for specific medical conditions.
Applicable for
Types
Glucocorticoids, Corticosteroids, Anabolic steroids
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Steroids FAQ


Image credit: thoughtco.com

What are steroids & how do they work?

Steroids are a man-made version of chemicals, known as hormones, that are made naturally in the human body. Steroids are designed to act like these hormones to reduce inflammation. They’re also known as corticosteroids, and are different to anabolic steroids used by bodybuilders and athletes.

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 groups & why are they important?

Steroids are important in biology, chemistry, and medicine. The steroid group includes all the sex hormones, adrenal cortical hormones, bile acids, and sterols of vertebrates, as well as the molting hormones of insects and many other physiologically active substances of animals and plants.

What are steroids used for?

Steroids can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including: Steroids are a man-made version of hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands which are 2 small glands found above the kidneys. Steroids reduce redness and swelling (inflammation). This can help with inflammatory conditions such as asthma and eczema.

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 the different types of steroids?

Steroids come in many different forms. The main types of steroids are: 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.

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.

Steroids References

If you want to know more about Steroids, consider exploring links below:

Explore Related Topics

The Cost of Asthma Treatment: Navigating Financial Barriers

Discuss the financial barriers to accessing asthma treatment and share strategies for navigating these challenges.

Link Between Adequate Cool-Down and Reduced Asthma Medication Use

Discussing how an effective cool-down routine can potentially reduce the reliance on asthma medication for some individuals.

Are Food Preservatives Making Your Asthma Worse?

Unveil the role food additives and preservatives might play in aggravating asthma symptoms, seeking feedback on avoidance strategies and alternatives.

Are Herbal Remedies Viable in Asthma Management?

Explore the effectiveness and safety of using herbal remedies for asthma management amidst conventional treatments.

Can You Spot the Early Warning Signs of an Asthma Attack?

This thread aims to discuss and share experiences on recognizing the subtle early signs of an asthma attack to ensure timely intervention.