Steroids Overview: Commonly refers to the class of drugs known as glucocorticoids. This class is related to the natural hormone hydrocortisone, or cortisol. Cortisol is essential for: Metabolism Bone formation Regulation of the immune system Steroids are used for many different conditions like asthma, arthritis, rashes, and autoimmune diseases. These are different from anabolic steroids (synthetic steroids used for increasing muscle mass) because they are steroid hormones, a large class of fatty molecules the body makes from cholesterol. Other steroid hormones include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Steroids come in both oral and IV preparations, although most are given orally in pill form. In severe cases, doctors will administer them intravenously in the hospital. Some are even given as an enema, typically in colitis so that the steroid can work directly on the walls of the colon. Enemas are liquid treatments that are inserted into the rectum to treat colitis. The liquid travels up the colon and treats inflammation in the rectum, sigmoid, descending, and even transverse colon. They are commonly used in conjunction with oral medications in IBD because this tends to speed up recovery. Mesalamine enemas can stain fabric, granite, marble, and vinyl so keep this […]
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