Contents
Colloquially called steroids, glucocorticosteroids (corticosteroids, glucocorticoids, glucocorticosteroids, corticosteroids) are natural hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. Glucocorticosteroids affect the circulatory system, the nervous system and the immune system. They play a big role in the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Glucocorticosteroids also play an important role in adapting to stressful situations.
There are two groups of glucocorticosteroids: natural (e.g. cortisol, cortisone and corticosterone – their secretion in the body is closely related to the circadian rhythm) and synthetic (they have strong anti-inflammatory properties and are commonly used in medicine as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory drugs). replenishing hormone deficiency).
Synthetic glucocorticosteroids
In therapy, synthetic glucocorticosteroids are used primarily as anti-inflammatory drugs. It also happens that they are used as immunosuppressive or antiallergic drugs.
In Poland, they most often take the form of inhaled glucocorticosteroids, which can be in the form of single or combined preparations. The group of inhaled glucocorticosteroids includes i.a. beclomethasone, budesonide, fluticasone and ciclesonide. It also happens that glucocorticosteroids are administered orally or intravenously, but this is the method usually reserved for people with an exacerbation of asthma or with a severe form of asthma that does not respond to inhaled medications.
For inhalation of drugs, use the Inhalation Chamber with Cross Valve Zeffiro technology available at Medonet Market.
Synthetic glucocorticosteroids – application
Synthetic glucocorticosteroids, which are easily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, exhibit strong anti-inflammatory, antimitotic, immunosuppressive, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive effects. They are effective in substitution therapy of adrenal insufficiency, local and general treatment of atopic dermatitis, contact eczema, papular urticaria, lichen planus, chronic lichen, keloids and burns. They can also be used as an adjunct in the treatment of alopecia areata, lupus erythematosus, annular granuloma, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. In addition, glucocorticosteroids can be used in the treatment of vitiligo, bullous pemphigoid and cutaneous mastocytosis, as well as dermatosis.
Glucocorticosteroids are also used in the treatment of rheumatoid diseases and as drugs that strongly reduce bronchial inflammation, not only reducing mucosa swelling and mucus secretion, but also contributing to the restoration of the correct epithelium of the bronchial mucosa. Glucocorticoids suppress bronchial hyperresponsiveness and are used in the treatment of asthma.
Glucocorticosteroids can also be used to treat allergic rhinitis and relieve all accompanying symptoms, such as nasal itching, nasal swelling, runny nose and sneezing.
Glucocorticosteroids – side effects
The use of glucocorticosteroids may be associated with the emergence of side effects hazardous to health and life, including: hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes, decreased blood potassium levels, weight gain, stretch marks and acne, weakening of strength inflammation of the stomach lining or stomach ulcer, emotional disturbances (depression, emotional lability, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbance), decreased immunity, osteoporosis or cataracts (cataracts).