Corticosteroids are medications often used to treat inflammatory diseases that affect more than 30 million Americans, such as asthma, chronic lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other connective tissue diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease. Corticosteroids, often referred to as steroids, are related to cortisol, a naturally produced hormone that controls many important body functions.
Corticosteroids are different from anabolic steroids, which are used by some athletes.
In normal amounts, corticosteroids play an important role in the regulation of blood sugar levels, salt and water, and in metabolism and growth. They also reduce the activity of the body's immune system and act to suppress allergic reactions. Corticosteroids are used to decrease the inflammation that causes the pain, redness and swelling associated with inflammatory diseases. They are effective in the management of these diseases and improve patients' quality of life. Osteoporosis is a potential and significant side effect and bone mass must be carefully monitored during treatment with these medications.