Corticosteroids are a type of hormone made in the adrenal glands. They are often used as medicine because they help with inflammation and can lower the immune system's response. This makes corticosteroids important for treating many health issues.

When Do We Use Corticosteroids?

1. Autoimmune Disorders

   • Rheumatoid Arthritis: This condition causes painful swelling in the joints. Around 1.5 million adults in the U.S. have it. Corticosteroids can help reduce pain and inflammation, especially during severe flare-ups.
   • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): About 200,000 people in the U.S. have this disease, which can cause various symptoms. Corticosteroids help control flare-ups and keep symptoms in check.
   • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): This is a disease that affects the brain and nerves. There are about 15,000 new cases each year, and corticosteroids can help during worsening symptoms.

2. Allergic Reactions

   • For serious allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, doctors may give corticosteroids like prednisone. About 1 in 50 people in the U.S. may have anaphylaxis at some point, so getting treatment quickly is very important.

3. Respiratory Conditions

   • Asthma: Corticosteroids are often the first choice for treating asthma attacks. Around 25 million people in the U.S. have asthma, and these medicines can reduce the need for hospital stays by 30-50%.
   • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): This condition can also be treated with corticosteroids during flare-ups, which helps people recover faster and reduces hospital visits.

4. Gastrointestinal Conditions

   • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): For conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, corticosteroids can help about 30% of patients get better.
   • Diverticulitis: In serious cases, corticosteroids can improve symptoms and speed up recovery.

5. Skin Conditions

   • Skin issues like psoriasis and severe eczema can improve with corticosteroid treatment. About 7.5 million people in the U.S. have psoriasis, and using corticosteroids for a short time can help their skin look better.

6. Cancer Treatments

   • In some types of blood cancers, corticosteroids are part of the treatment plan. They can improve survival rates for conditions like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) by up to 60%.

How Are Corticosteroids Taken?

• The amount of corticosteroid medicine a person takes depends on what condition they're being treated for. Starting doses usually range from 5 mg to 60 mg of prednisone each day.
• If someone needs to take them for a long time, doctors must be careful because corticosteroids can cause health issues like weak bones, weight gain, and a higher risk of getting sick. It's best to use the smallest dose for the shortest time necessary.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects?

• Short-term Side Effects: These can include mood changes, trouble sleeping, and higher blood sugar levels.
• Long-term Risks: Using corticosteroids for a long period can cause serious problems like Cushing's syndrome, which happens in about 1.5% of people using corticosteroids long-term.

Conclusion

Corticosteroids play a crucial role in treating various inflammatory conditions because they can change how the immune system works. They help with autoimmune diseases, allergies, and breathing problems, often leading to better health outcomes. However, doctors must consider the pros and cons of long-term use and tailor treatments for each patient's needs.