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Corticosteroids are different from anabolic steroids, which are synthetic (man-made) versions of testosterone.
Steroids come in several different forms. The main types are tablets, syrups, and liquids. They also include inhalers and nasal sprays.
Steroids can also be applied as injections, given into joints, muscles, or blood vessels.
Steroids can be applied in cream, lotion, or gel form.
Most steroids are only available on prescription from pharmacies. Others such as creams and nasal sprays can be purchased over the counter.
For example, steroids can be used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Steroid use has a wide variety of applications.
Allergies such as hay fever can be treated using steroids.
Skin conditions, including hives and eczema, react well to steroids.
Steroids can be used to treat orthopedic disorders, things like painful joints or muscles brought on by arthritis, tennis elbow, or frozen shoulder.
The pain and discomfort caused by an irritated or trapped nerve, sciatica for example, can be eased using steroids.
Similarly, pain as a result of lupus can be addressed with a course of steroids.
Steroid use extends to treating inflammatory bowel disease, for example Crohn's disease.
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis, a disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system), can be treated using steroids.
Steroids are a man-made version of hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys.
Furthermore, steroids reduce the activity of the immune system, which causes inflammation in the first place. It does this by affecting the way white blood cells work (which enter your blood or tissues to protect your body from invaders).
When taken in doses higher than the amount your body normally produces, steroids work by decreasing the pain and swelling caused by inflammation.
Steroids can be hugely beneficial when inflammation threatens to damage critical body organs, for example when worsening kidney inflammation could lead to kidney failure. In this instance, steroid therapy might eliminate the need for kidney dialysis or transplantation.
Low doses of steroids might provide significant relief from pain and stiffness for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
For acute rheumatoid arthritis, short-term use of higher doses of steroids might help an individual recover from a flare-up of the condition.
Generally speaking, low-dose or short-term use of steroids shouldn't cause any noticeable side effects. But the chance of secondary conditions depends on the dose, type of steroid, and length of treatment. Common side effects of systemic steroids include increased appetite and probable weight gain.
Mood changes can be experienced by those using steroids.
Difficulty in sleeping is an unpleasant side effect of taking steroids.
Blurred vision is a potentially alarming side effect of systemic steroid use.
Acne is a reported side effect of taking steroids. So too is a swollen, puffy face.
Steroid use can induce the onset, or worsening of, high blood pressure.
Without a prescription from a doctor, anabolic steroids are illegal (they are class C drugs). But that hasn't stopped their use by many individuals who take them to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances similar to the male sex hormone testosterone. While they do have legitimate medical uses, prescribed for example to help people with certain kinds of anemia and men who don't produce enough testosterone on their own, their application is extremely limited.
Besides a professional athlete risking a heavy fine and/or being handed a long ban from competing competitively, misuse of anabolic steroids can cause serious side effects and addiction.
Steroids, also called corticosteroids, are anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat a range of conditions.
Steroids, also called corticosteroids, are used in the treatment of a number of ailments, mainly to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Used carefully, steroids can have a positive and harmless effect on the human body. But there are some risks involved in using steroids over an extended period. And it's very important to note that corticosteroids are different to anabolic steroids, a synthetic version of testosterone and used on occasion illegally to boost body mass and athletic performance. So, what exactly are the pros and cons of taking steroids?
Click through and learn more about the different types of steroids available, and the disorders they are designed to treat.
The pros and cons of taking steroids
Discussing corticosteroids and anabolic steroids
HEALTH Human body
Steroids, also called corticosteroids, are used in the treatment of a number of ailments, mainly to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Used carefully, steroids can have a positive and harmless effect on the human body. But there are some risks involved in using steroids over an extended period. And it's very important to note that corticosteroids are different to anabolic steroids, a synthetic version of testosterone and used on occasion illegally to boost body mass and athletic performance. So, what exactly are the pros and cons of taking steroids?
Click through and learn more about the different types of steroids available, and the disorders they are designed to treat.