The 3 Types Of Corticosteroids And Their Effects On The Body
Probably many of us have either suffered or know someone who has suffered some type of inflammatory process due to some disease, allergic reaction or asthma. And in many of these cases, the application or use of corticosteroids will have been indicated in order to reduce inflammation. But these are not a single substance, but rather they make up a group of drugs with similar properties.
In this sense, we can find various types of corticosteroids the best known being the ones we are going to see throughout this article.
Corticosteroids or corticosteroids are a set or group of drugs that produce an effect similar to that of cortisol secreted by the adrenal cortex. And although cortisol is a hormone linked to stress also presents a series of effects of great relevance for maintaining our health.
Corticosteroids are characterized by being steroid-type substances, compounds based on the substance known as sterane that are part of living organisms and made up of structures of hormones and vitamins. Its function is multiple, having importance among other areas in the metabolism and the secretion and use of sugars and fats body homeostasis and also linking to the functioning of the immune system. They are powerful anti-inflammatories and suppressors of the immune system, ideal for treating allergies, arthritis, asthma or other types of inflammation, whether or not they are a product of the immune system.
When we talk about corticosteroids as drugs, we are talking about medications of great potency and usefulness in the treatment of pathologies such as asthma, arthritis, allergic reactions or inflammatory processes.
However, their administration must be very careful, since apart from their beneficial effects they also generate quite problematic side effects and can pose some danger. Among them we find the risk of hypertension, cataracts, glaucoma or diabetes , although many other side effects may arise. That is the reason why they are generally used for the shortest possible time and mostly in increasingly lower doses.
Different types of corticosteroids
Although we have discussed some of the basic characteristics of corticosteroids in general, the truth is that within this group of substances we can find different types or classes with differentiated characteristics. Among the most important we can find the following,
1. Glucocorticoids
One of the best known types of corticosteroids, if not the most, is glucocorticoids. Within this group we find substances mainly aimed at controlling inflammatory processes
Its action generates a decrease in the functionality of the immune system, something essential to treat allergic reactions such as food or medication. They are also used in situations such as asthma, problems such as osteoarthritis or even entiemetic treatment after chemotherapy in cancer patients.
Known drugs are betamethasone or dexamethasone although others such as cortisone are also considered as such.
2. Corticotropins
Corticotropins are another type of corticosteroids, which are generally used in cases where the body has deficient levels of endogenous corticosteroids. Facilitates the secretion of cortisone by the pituitary gland Its action is usually more diagnostic than therapeutic, with the use of glucocorticoids being more common as treatment.
Mineralocorticoids are perhaps the least known group of corticosteroids to the general population. The main function of these substances is to maintain the chemical balance of the body, acting mainly at the kidney level.
Its action generates greater control of salt and sodium retention and allows it to regulate and prevent excessive loss of body fluids through urine Within this group we find fludrocortisone as the main representative.
Two prototypical drugs
We have talked about the basic types of corticosteroids and we have mentioned some examples of them. But perhaps it can be more visual or some specific drugs may be better known. The two cases that we will mention separately both for being extremely well known and for also having typical properties of mineralocorticoids despite being glucocorticoids
Cortisone
Probably the best known drug in this group of medications. Its action is mainly that of a glucocorticoid, being especially used in the treatment of various types of inflammation However, it also has an action on salt metabolism and fluid retention, as well as on carbohydrate metabolism, which means it has properties that link it to mineralcorticoids.
It is used in multiple disorders, both at a human and veterinary level. Its great usefulness has been observed in allergic reactions, arthritis, endocarditis, lupus or leukemia among many other conditions. It has also been occasionally used in situations of anorexia or hyporexia, with lack of appetite and thirst, in some anemias or even to reduce inflammation caused by different tumors.
Hydrocortisone
Another great example of one of the most well-known types of corticosteroid is hydrocortisone. Like cortisone, it is classified as a glucocorticoid, but it also has regulatory effects similar to those of mineralocorticoids. It is usually used as a supportive medication and is probably one of the least strong.
Its applications include the treatment of skin rashes, irritations, allergies, itching or even as support against cancer. There are also creams and suppositories in case of anal problems.
Other forms of classification
The previous classification is not the only one that exists, and can be found various options depending on the criteria you want to use to group these drugs
Another of the main ones is the one that takes into account its mode of application or presentation. In this sense, we can find the following types of corticosteroids: oral (pills), injected (whether intravenous, parenteral or intramuscular), inhaled (like the typical inhaler), aerosols or topicals (creams). Also suppositories and drops.
Finally, they can also be grouped based on their half-life. In this sense we would find corticosteroids with a short life (between 8-12 hours), medium life (between approximately 18 and 36) and long life (more than 36).
