Steroids are the hormones that naturally occur in the human body. Steroid medicine is artificial and shares similarities with natural hormones made and produced in and by the human body. Corticosteroid is a type of steroid used for the treatment of various diseases. There are known to be different when compared to anabolic steroids, which are used by some bodybuilders and athletes; anabolic steroids carry other effects with them.
How does a steroid work?
Steroids are considered to be a synthetic version of the hormones that are generally produced by adrenal glands that are present just above the kidneys of a person. When such steroids are taken in a dose that proves to be higher than the amount that is generally produced by the body of a person, they can:
- Help in the reduction of inflammation
The inflammation tends to take place when the immune system of the body of a person responds to an infection or injury. When inflammation starts affecting the skin and the tissues present under the skin, the particular area becomes swollen, hot, painful, and red. Although inflammation generally helps protect a person against injuries or infections, it can harm the body of a person at times. A CanadaPeds steroid proves to be beneficial for the effective treatment of inflammatory conditions like eczema and asthma.
- Reduce the activities performed by the immune system
They help reduce the activities of the immune system and substantially increase the natural defense of the body against infection and illness. It helps treat autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, or autoimmune hepatitis. Such conditions are known to be caused when the immune system ends up attacking the body of a person mistakenly.
What are the various types of steroids?
Steroids come in various forms. The most common types of steroids are explained hereafter:
- Topical Steroids
A topical steroid includes inhalers, nasal sprays, and the ones used for the skin. Topical steroids used for the skin by a person are known to be available in various forms such as creams, lotions, and ointments. They are used for the treatment of different skin conditions. The amount of such steroids required to be applied is generally measured through fingertip units.
They can also be given in rectal form for treating Proctitis or Crohn’s disease or as eye drops for reducing inflammation on the eye surface.
- Oral Steroids
An oral steroid helps in the significant reduction of inflammation and is used for the effective treatment of various conditions such as:
- Crohn’s disease
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Ulcerative colitis
- Hypopituitarism
- Multiple sclerosis
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Treatment of multiple types of cancers
- Apart from the aforementioned types, steroids come in the form of inhalers, nasal sprays, and injections.
Conclusion
The asteroid is used for treating a plethora of medical conditions. They can either be given as an ointment or cream, as a tablet, as a nasal spray, like inhalers, or as an injection by CanadaPeds. All a person is required to do is choose wisely and remember to consider all the effects of steroids. In case of such presence, reach out for medical assistance immediately.