Corticosteroids duplicate the effect of hormones that the body naturally produces, according to MayoClinic.com. The adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys, produce a hormone called cortisol in which corticosteroids aim to mimic. There are dozens of corticosteroid medications available that treat a plethora of diseases including asthma, arthritis, lupus and allergies. This medication requires a prescription by a medical professional and patients should adhere to prescribed dosing.
Oral
Oral corticosteroids help provide relief to inflammation throughout the body by lessening swelling, redness, itching and allergies, according to MayoClinic.com. It comes in both a pill or syrup form for oral application and starts working within three hours. They are most effective six to 12 hours after taking, according to the New York State Department of Health. Physicians generally prescribe this form of corticosteroids for short periods of time---generally, three to four days. This is due to the side effects of prolonged use, which include weight gain, fluid retention, increase in blood sugar, bone density loss and cataracts. During a severe asthma attack, for example, physicians usually prescribe prednisone to relieve breathing difficulties caused by inflamed bronchial tissue. Other popular oral corticosteroids include budesonide, betamethasone, dexamethasone and cortisone.
Inhalation
Inhalation corticosteroids are primarily for asthmatics or sufferers of other chronic respiratory diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. They may or may not accompany a bronchodilator, which helps to relax smooth muscle surrounding the bronchial airways. Mild asthmatics use inhalation corticosteroids as a preventive long-term treatment, as it actively reduces inflammation that triggers an attack. Over time, allergens and irritants become more tolerable for asthma sufferers. These inhalers are not for the relief of immediate bronchial constriction, which requires a fast-acting inhaler.
Topical and Injection
Topical corticosteroids help treat chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. They usually come in a cream or a roll-on ointment for application on the skin. The medication acts to inhibit the release of chemicals that cause inflammation while constricting blood vessels to decrease redness and swelling. Injection corticosteroids are specific for sufferers of tendinitis, which is the inflammation, irritation and swelling of the tendon---the fibrous structure that joins the muscle to the bone, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Injections are necessary because the medicine immediately relieves painful symptoms by quickly coursing through the body.
