Corticosteroids -- which are also referred to as steroids -- are a class of synthetic (man-made) medications that mimic the action of the naturally occurring hormone cortisol. This type of medication can be administered orally or topically or can be injected within a muscle or vein. Before receiving treatment with this medication, discuss corticosteroid effects with your doctor.
Decreased Inflammation
If you sustain an injury or have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, your body can produce unusually high levels of cortisol in response to these medical conditions. High cortisol levels within the blood help your body deal with the inflammatory response your body generates in response to some types of stimuli, such as an allergen or injury. Use of corticosteroids prevents the immune system from producing inflammatory signals that can cause irritation and pain throughout the body. These effects of corticosteroids lead to decreased inflammation -- which is characterized by swelling, warmth and redness -- within the body.
Decreased Immune System Activity
Taking corticosteroids can affect the activity of your immune system. This medication can alter the normal function of certain immune cells -- called white blood cells -- and decrease their activity. The immunosuppressive effects of corticosteroids are particularly useful for patients who experience abnormal immune reactions or diseases, such as muscle inflammation (myositis) or asthma. Decreased immune cell activity can also limit the transmission of inflammatory signals through the body, which can diminish the external symptoms of inflammation, such as swelling or irritation.
Side Effects
Use of corticosteroids is associated with some risk of side effects. After taking this medication, you may experience nervousness, restlessness or difficulty sleeping. Medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio also warn that you may develop abnormal water retention (swelling) within your face or limbs. Additional side effects of this synthetic hormone include skin irritation, weight gain, blurred vision, increased body hair growth, stomach upset or muscle weakness. You may also notice that your skin bruises more easily or that you develop recurrent infections during corticosteroid treatment. Certain patients experience mood changes or become unusually agitated or irritable. This medication can exacerbate symptoms associated with certain pre-existing medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. These side effects of corticosteroids typically diminish with recurrent use of this medication.
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