In the hydrocortisone form, it can also be given orally. Because there are so many forms of steroid for use in the human body, it is often confusing as to which agents are glucocorticoids, mineral-corticoids., etc. The important thing to remember is that they have many therapeutic uses in the body, depending on which form of steroid is chosen. Kidney transplant patients are also given steroids as part of their anti-rejection medications.
Steroids act as anti-inflammatory agents in the body.
Patients with asthma may inhale them, other patients take them orally, some steroids are given directly into the spinal fluid, or into joints. For this reason, it's important to disclose long term steroid treatments to your surgeon and anesthesia provider so that they can account for this in your perioperative care. Your body may not adjust to the stress of surgery adequately because your body's own cortisol making mechanisms may be inhibited. I hope this helps. In the hydrocortisone form, it can also be given orally.