Glucocorticosteroids - what is it?The hormones synthesized by the adrenal cortex, as well as a group of synthetic drugs with great potential in therapy are called. 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 andcorticosterone, natural steroid hormones of the adrenal cortex. Their main production is carried out in accordance with the daily rhythm. A greater amount is released when the body's increased need for these hormones. They arise from progesterone in the bundle and reticular 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, which is why 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?is it? As therapeutic agents, glucocorticosteroids (corticosteroids) are synthetic, colloquially also simply steroids. They have a greater anti-inflammatory effect than natural compounds.
In pharmacological therapy - mainly inas anti-inflammatory drugs, less often - glucocorticosteroids are used as antiallergic or immunosuppressive drugs. Their use in therapy is widespread in case of insufficiency of the adrenal cortex. Their main effect 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, hormone therapy is usedstandard doses of the drug, 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 cortisol secretion in the body, that is, in the morning. Glucocorticosteroid therapy involves gradually reducing the dose of hormones injected at the last stage of treatment (to avoid atrophy of the adrenal cortex).
Steroids can be administered orally, and in acuteconditions (in the presence of a threat to life) - in the form of injections or intravenous infusions. Their use should be controlled, i.e., applied only when there is a well-defined indication, 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
The hormones of the adrenal cortex possessanti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and antipruritic action. They are widely used in dermatology for skin diseases. Topical glucocorticosteroids are products that are among the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of dermatological diseases. They can be used, in particular, in the treatment of:
- eczema;
- dermatitis;
- erythema.
Мазь с глюкокортикостероидами используется в treatment of psoriasis. Gels, creams, and lotions are also used to relieve symptoms of inflammation and itching of the skin. Steroid hormone fluids are recommended for use on the scalp. Both with continuous treatment and in rare cases of using steroids, it is preferable to use weaker drugs (to prevent side effects).
Steroids in the treatment of the respiratory system
Hormonal agents from all useddrugs for the treatment of bronchial inflammation have the strongest effect. After their introduction, there is a decrease in edema of the mucous membrane and secretion of mucus, and the normal epithelium of the bronchi is restored. The introduction of steroids into the body suppresses the late phase of allergies, as well as an increased bronchial reaction. There are:
- Glucocorticosteroids in the form of inhaled anesthetics. They are the most preferred form of medicine for use in the treatment of all forms of asthma.
- Glucocorticosteroids used as systemic infusions into the blood. This type is used only for severe forms of bronchial asthma, when other treatment methods do not produce results.
- Steroids for oral administration can also be used for short-term treatment during periods of exacerbations of the disease.
Steroids in the treatment of rheumatoid diseases
К средствам, используемым в борьбе с ревматизмом, include glucocorticosteroids. What it is, and what drugs are used to treat rheumatism, we consider in more detail. Rheumatoid disease has limitations during treatment. Steroid drugs can only be used for a short time. However, they are quite often used to combat 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, prednisone, less often - dexamitazone (by mouth);
- methylprednisone, betamethasone.
Glucocorticoids and their significance in hematological diseases
Glucocorticosteroids (cortisone, prednisone,Prednisolone, 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. Prednisolone, and in severe cases, methylprednisone, is used intravenously in the treatment of 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 the case of the disease "adrenal hypofunction"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).
Allergic Glucocorticosteroids
В терапии аллергических проявлений также glucocorticosteroids are used. Such treatment can be carried out with mild symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, as well as urticaria or inflammatory reactions associated with insect bites. To prevent the recurrence of anaphylactic reactions, hydrocortisone (200 mg intravenously) or prednisone (20 mg intravenously) is used, as a rule. And among the most popular medications taken for the common cold caused by allergies are flunisolide and fluticasone, which help to relieve nasal congestion more quickly.
Side effects of steroids
Different reactions occur due tothe nervous system and metabolism in the body when adrenal hormones are taken. The risk of side effects increases when the drugs in 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.
From the side effects of corticosteroids can be distinguished:
- increased blood glucose (steroids can weaken the effect of insulin);
- increased risk of diabetes;
- increased risk of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer;
- osteoporosis and child growth retardation;
- Cushing's syndrome;
- mental 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 oral candidiasis and nasal sinuses, dry mouth, hoarseness, cough, bleeding mucous membranes.
