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 secreted with an increased need of the body for these hormones. They arise from progesterone in the bundle and mesh layer of the adrenal cortex. The blood is 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 hormones
Synthetic glucocorticosteroids - what is it? Synthetic glucocorticosteroids (corticosteroids) are used as therapeutic agents, colloquially also called simply steroids. They have a greater anti-inflammatory effect than natural compounds.
In pharmacological therapy, mainly as anti-inflammatory drugs, less commonly, glucocorticosteroids are used as anti-allergic or immunosuppressive drugs. 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 A 2 , 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 a single dosage and in accordance with the physiological rhythm of the secretion of cortisol in the body, that is, in the morning. Therapy with glucocorticosteroids includes a gradual decrease in the dose of hormones administered at the last stage of treatment (to avoid atrophy of the adrenal cortex).
Steroids can be used orally, and in acute conditions (in the presence of a life threat) - in the form of injections or intravenous infusions. Their use should be under control, i.e., applied only when there are clearly defined indications for this, taking into account possible side effects. Doses should be selected individually for each patient, they should be changed depending on 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 - funds related to the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of dermatological diseases. They can be used, in particular, in the treatment of:
- eczema
- dermatitis;
- erythema.
Glucocorticosteroid ointment is used in the treatment of psoriasis. Also, gels, creams, lotions are used to relieve symptoms of inflammation and itching of the skin. Steroid hormone fluids are recommended for use on the scalp. As with continuous treatment, and in rare cases, the use of steroid drugs, it is preferable to use weaker drugs (to prevent side effects).
Steroids in the treatment of the respiratory system
Hormonal drugs from all the drugs used to treat inflammation of the bronchi have the most powerful effect. After their introduction, there is a decrease in edema of the mucous membrane and secretion of mucus, normal bronchial epithelium is restored. The introduction of steroids into the body suppresses the late phase of allergies, as well as an increased reaction of the bronchi. Distinguish:
- Glucocorticosteroids in the form of inhaled anesthetics. They are the most preferred form of medication for use in the treatment of all forms of bronchial asthma.
- Glucocorticosteroids, used as systemic injections into the blood. This type is used only in severe forms of bronchial asthma, when other therapeutic methods do not give results.
- Steroids for oral use can also be used for short-term treatment during periods of exacerbation of the disease.
Steroids in the treatment of rheumatoid diseases
The drugs used to combat 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 often used in the fight against manifestations of fever (during the activation of the disease). Drugs 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, less often - dexamitasone (oral);
- methylprednisone, betamethasone.
Glucocorticoids and their significance in hematological diseases
Glucocorticosteroids (cortisone, prednisone, prednisone, dexamethasone) are among the most commonly used immunosuppressive drugs for diseases of the hematopoietic system. In its pathogenesis, inflammatory reactions and autoimmune phenomena are possible. Prednisone, and in severe cases, methylprednisone, is used intravenously in the treatment of anemia associated with thrombocytopenia. Steroids can be used for bleeding, as they lead to an increase in platelet count.
Steroid drugs for adrenocortical insufficiency
In the case of “adrenal hypofunction” disease, synthetic glucocorticosteroids are used. What is it, what symptoms are manifested in 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 with mild symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, as well as with urticaria or inflammatory reactions associated with insect bites. To prevent recurrence of anaphylactic reactions, hydrocortisone (200 mg intravenously) or prednisolone (20 mg intravenously) are usually used. And of the most popular medications taken with a cold caused by an allergy are: flunisolide and fluticasone, which contribute to a more rapid removal of nasal congestion.
Side effects of steroids
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 of this group are used for a long time or in large doses. Their type, frequency and severity depend to the greatest extent on the type of drug.
Of the side effects of the use of corticosteroids, one can distinguish:
- increased blood glucose (steroids can weaken the action of insulin);
- increased risk of developing diabetes;
- increased risk of developing peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
- osteoporosis and growth retardation of children;
- Cushing's syndrome;
- mental disorders (insomnia, mood changes, manic-depressive states, schizophrenia);
- seizures in patients with epilepsy;
- adrenal insufficiency;
- hypertension.
The use of glucocorticoid drugs in large doses contributes to the development of candidiasis of the oral cavity and sinuses, dry mouth, hoarseness, cough, bleeding of the mucous membranes.