Corticosteroids are a class of chemicals that include steroid hormones produced naturally in the adrenal cortex. They affect stress response, immune response, and inflammation. Corticosteroids work in the body by entering cells and inhibiting the enzyme that produces arachidonic acid, which leads to reduced inflammation. Common corticosteroids include dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisone, prednisolone, and prednisone. While they can treat conditions like asthma and arthritis, prolonged high doses can cause side effects like Cushing's syndrome, osteoporosis, and hypokalemia.

1. CORTICOSTEROIDS(aka glucocorticosteroids/steroids)
class of chemicals that includes steroid hormones naturally
produced in the adrenal cortex of vertebrates.
affects include stress response, immune response, and
regulation of inflammation, carbohydrate metabolism,
protein catabolism, blood electrolyte levels, and behavior.
1---glucosorticosteroids(cortisol) controls carbohydrate, fat and
protein metabolism, and are anti-inflammatory.
2--mineralcorticosteroid(aldosterone) control electrolyte and
water levels, mainly by promoting sodium retention in the kidney
MOA---work on nasal passage epithelial cells and immune
system cells. GCS enter cells where they combine with steroid
receptors in cytoplasm.
It will then move into nucleus, to make a protein that inhibits the
enzyme that makes arachidonic acid(cox&prostaglandins).

2. CORTICOSTEROIDS(aka glucocorticosteroids/steroids)
corticosteroids may inhibit release of arachidonic acid.
indications---inflammation,asthma, irritable bowel syndrome,
Addison's disease(disorder in which the adrenal glands do not
produce sufficient steroid hormones, yields weight loss,
weakness, hyperpigmentation,joint pain, low sodium )
reactions---Cushing syndrome(signs and symptoms associated
with prolonged exposure to inappropriately high levels of the
hormone cortisol. This can be caused by taking glucocorticoid
drugs, or diseases that result in excess cortisol. yields buffalo
hump, weight gain, moon face, mood change, acne,
reduced wound healing, easy bruising.)
also osteoporosis,retinopathy, hypokalemia,cataracts,
candidiasis, birth defect, peptic ulcer, hypertension.

3. CORTICOSTEROIDS(aka glucocorticosteroids/steroids)
examples----
dexamethasone/Decadron
cortisone/Cortone
hydrocortisone/Hydrocortisone
methylprednisone/Medrol
prednisolone/Pediapred
prednisone/Deltasone
consider--it may take a while to find a dose high enough to
control your symptoms but low enough to prevent some or all
of the unpleasant side effects. oral corticosteroids should not
last for more than three weeks to avoid withdrawal problems.
lumbar ESI---corticosteroid mixed with lidocaine
facet injection, or other joints yields bone degeneration,
ligament tear.