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Corticosteroids are a type of steroids that is closely related to hormone cortisol, which is produced naturally in the adrenal cortex. Corticosteroids are involved with many systems like immune response, regulation of inflammation, stress response, carbohydrate metabolism, blood electrolyte levels and protein catabolism.
 Corticosteroids are not like anabolic steroids, which are illegally used for strength and building of muscles. These man made steroids are mainly used for the treatment of inflammation. Moreover, they are used for a wide variety of diseases like eczema, asthma, allergies, colitis, arthritis and kidney diseases, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, leukemia and other cancers, juvenile arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, polymyositis, behcet's disease, polymyalgia rheumatica, scleroderma, temporal arteritis and vasculitis.
Corticosteroids are known to act on the immune system. The steroid acts by blocking the production of substances, which trigger inflammatory and allergic actions. Corticosteroids are also known to obstruct the functioning of the white blood cells that are known to destroy foreign bodies.
Corticosteroid is administered either as an injection or can be taken orally. When it is taken in the injection form, the steroid is administered into the vein or muscle. The steroid is also applied to the skin and included with other components in medications such as asthma inhalers or eye drops.
Steroids in particular come with many side effects and have to be taken with care. Corticosteroids should only be taken under a medical practitioner or the person may be at risk of the side effects.
Some of the side effects that come with Corticosteroids include increased appetite, weight gain, fat deposits (chest, upper back, face, stomach), swelling, high blood pressure, slow healing of wounds, diabetes, osteoporosis, thinning of skin, stomach ulcers, acne, cataracts, increased sweating, muscle weakness, mood changes, depression and adrenal suspension.
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