Glucocorticosteroids - what is it? Hormones synthesized by the adrenal cortex, as well as a group of synthetic drugs with great potential in therapy, bear this name. In everyday life they are defined as steroids. The possibility of topical application of these hormones significantly reduced the risk of common side effects. Synthetic glucocorticosteroids inhibit the development of the inflammatory process in the body.
Types of glucocorticosteroids
Glucocorticoids such as cortisol, cortisone and corticosterone are natural steroid hormones of the adrenal cortex. Their main production is carried out in accordance with the daily rhythm. A larger amount is released with an increased need for these hormones in the body. They arise from progesterone in the fascicular and reticular layer of the adrenal cortex. In the blood they are transported through transcortin. Glucocorticoids act through intracellular receptors. They affect the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. These hormones also inhibit inflammatory processes, therefore they are called anti-inflammatory.steroids. They are necessary to overcome severe stressful situations in the human body.
Synthetic types of hormones
Synthetic glucocorticosteroids - what is it? Synthetic glucocorticosteroids (corticosteroids) are used as therapeutic agents, colloquially also called simply steroids. They have greater anti-inflammatory power than natural compounds.
In pharmacological therapy - mainly as anti-inflammatory drugs, less often - as an anti-allergic or immunosuppressive drug, glucocorticosteroids are used. Their use in therapy is widespread in case of insufficiency of the adrenal cortex. Their main action is to inhibit inflammatory reactions, i.e., to block phospholipase A2, which leads to a decrease in the production of inflammatory mediators.
As a rule, standard doses of the drug are used in hormone therapy, which does not cause serious side effects. It is best to take these drugs in one dosage and in accordance with the physiological rhythm of cortisol secretion in the body, that is, in the morning. Therapy with glucocorticosteroids involves a gradual decrease in the dose of administered hormones at the last stage of treatment (to avoid atrophy of the adrenal cortex).
Steroids can be used orally, and in acute conditions (if there is a threat to life) - in the form of injections or infusions intravenously. Their use should be controlled, i.e. appliedonly when there are clearly defined indications for this, taking into account possible side effects. Doses should be individualized for each patient and adjusted according to the severity of the disease.
Glucocorticosteroids used in dermatology
Hormones of the adrenal cortex have anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and antipruritic effects. They are widely used in dermatology for skin diseases. Topical glucocorticosteroids are among the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of dermatological diseases. They can be used, among others, in the treatment of:
- eczema;
- dermatitis;
- erythema.
Glucocorticosteroid ointment is used in the treatment of psoriasis. Gels, creams, lotions are also used to relieve the symptoms of inflammation and itching of the skin. Liquids containing steroid hormones are recommended for use on the scalp. Both with continuous treatment and in rare cases of steroid use, the use of weaker drugs is preferable (to prevent side effects).
Steroids in the treatment of the respiratory system
Hormonal agents of all drugs used to treat bronchial inflammation have the strongest effect. After their introduction, there is a decrease in mucosal edema and mucus secretion, normal bronchial epithelium is restored. The introduction of steroids into the body suppresses the late phase of allergy, andalso an increased reaction of the bronchi. Distinguish:
- Glucocorticosteroids in the form of inhalation anesthetics. They are the most preferred form of medication for use in the treatment of all forms of asthma.
- Glucocorticosteroids used as systemic infusions into the blood. This type is used only in severe forms of bronchial asthma, when other treatment methods do not work.
- Oral steroids may also be used for short-term treatment during flare-ups.
Steroids in the treatment of rheumatoid diseases
The drugs used in the fight against rheumatism include glucocorticosteroids. What is it, and what drugs are used to treat rheumatism, we will consider in more detail. Rheumatoid disease has limitations in the treatment process. Steroid medications can only be used for a short period of time. However, they are quite often used in the fight against the manifestations of fever (during the activation of the disease). Preparations of this group are also used in the treatment of inflammation of the joints of the spine. Glucocorticosteroids with the most frequent use in the treatment of rheumatoid diseases:
- prednisone, prednisolone, rarely dexamitasone (oral);
- methylprednisone, betamethasone.
Glucocorticoids and their importance in hematological diseases
Glucocorticosteroids (cortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone) are the group most commonlyused immunosuppressive drugs in diseases of the hematopoietic system. In its pathogenesis, inflammatory reactions and autoimmune phenomena are possible. Prednisolone, and in severe cases methylprednisone, is used intravenously to treat anemia associated with thrombocytopenia. Steroids can be used for bleeding tendencies, as they lead to an increase in platelet count.
Steroid drugs for adrenal insufficiency
In case of "hypofunction of the adrenal glands", synthetic glucocorticosteroids are used. What is it, what are the symptoms of the disease? It is primarily associated with a decrease in the production of corticoid hormones (Addison's disease). Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of acute or chronic adrenal insufficiency. Of the drugs used - cortisol (or hydrocortisol).
Glucocorticosteroids for allergic reactions
In the treatment of allergic manifestations, glucocorticosteroids are also used. Such treatment can be carried out for mild symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, as well as for urticaria or inflammatory reactions associated with insect bites. Hydrocortisone (200 mg IV) or prednisolone (20 mg IV) are usually used to prevent recurrence of anaphylactic reactions. And some of the most popular medications taken for a runny nose caused by allergies are flunisolide and fluticasone, which help to relieve nasal congestion more quickly.
Side effects of steroid use
Various reactions occur due to the action on the nervous system and metabolism in the body when hormones of the adrenal cortex are taken. The risk of side effects increases when drugs in this group are used for a long time or in high doses. Their type, frequency and severity depend most on the type of drug.
Some of the side effects of corticosteroid use include:
- increase in blood glucose (steroids can weaken the action of insulin);
- increased risk of developing diabetes;
- increased risk of gastric and duodenal ulcers;
- osteoporosis and stunting of children;
- Cushing's syndrome;
- psychiatric disorders (insomnia, mood changes, manic-depressive states, schizophrenia);
- seizures in patients with epilepsy;
- adrenal insufficiency;
- hypertension.
Also, the use of glucocorticoid drugs in large doses contributes to the development of candidiasis of the oral cavity and nasal sinuses, dry mouth, hoarseness, cough, bleeding of mucous membranes.
