People Are Reading Related Topics

advertisement

The Effects of Masturbation onTestosterone

Types of Medical Steroids

Facts on Anabolic Steroids

Effects of Steroids on the Body

The Good and Bad Effects of Steroids

The Short Term Side Effects ofSteroids

What Are the Side Effects ofPrescription Steroids?

Home / Diseases & Health Conditions / Addiction & Recovery / Medical Marijuana Use / What Are the Medical Uses of Steroids?

TweetTweet 00PRINT

WHAT ARE THE MEDICAL USES OF STEROIDS?Jun 11, 2010 | By Like 1 SendDr. Shavon Jackson-Michel

Photo Credit body builder image by Alex from Fotolia.com

There are two classes of steroids used in medicine.Corticosteroids are drugs derived from the adrenalsourced hormones, cortisol and corticosterone. Thesehormones affect the immune system by suppressinginflammation. Therefore, drugs such as prednisoneaffect inflammation. Additionally, anabolic orandrogenic steroids are those commonly associatedwith weight-lifting. These steroids are derived fromtestosterone-like hormones and cause the body toaccumulate muscle mass and rebuild tissues. Inmedicine, anabolic steroids can be used after aserious injury, like a burn or chronic illness.

REDUCE INFLAMMATIONCorticosteroids are used to treat a variety ofinflammatory conditions, including but not limited to,chronic asthma and osteoarthritis. The inflammationoccurring in these diseases leads to tissue damage,deterioration and increased sensitivity. In the case ofasthma, this sensitivity promotes the airways tobecome over-reactive to allergens, exercise and otherstimulants. Increased activity promotes increasedbronchoconstriction and asthma attacks. Theinflammation of arthritis causes the lining of the joint to

become further damaged and speeds the rate of wear and tear. Professor Barnes of the Imperial College ofLondon found that chronic conditions such as asthma unwinds portions of DNA that signal inflammation.Barnes discovered that steroids work by reversing this process, putting unwound DNA back into it wound form.

PAIN TREATMENTSAs a result of the powerful anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroids, they are commonly used to treat painconditions. The four cardinal signs of inflammation are heat, redness, pain and restricted movement.Therefore, by treating inflammation decreases in pain will result. Generally, when prescribed for paincorticosteroid will be given in low doses and for short terms, as long term steroid use is associated with manyside effects. Interestingly, The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology notes that one of the side effectsof long term oral steroid use is osteoporosis and a condition known as avascular necrosis. Both conditions canlead to extreme joint pain and an increased risk for fractures.

TREAT AUTOIMMUNE DISEASEOral corticosteroids are also used in conditions of autoimmunity. These conditions can include inflammatorybowel diseases, scleroderma, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. In autoimmune diseases, the white blood cells andother immune cells attack the body's own tissues. A 1999 article from the "Australian Prescriber" journal notesthat steroids are usually used in high doses for a short period of time to causes a remission or reduce theprogression of the disease. The steroids create a short-term reduction in white blood cell counts by eitherinterfering in the way they are recycled or directly killing them.

WEIGHT GAIN

Sponsored Links

You Suffer From Stress?Make Your 2013 Stress Free. Feel Calm, Feel Great. Central HKwww.pangea.com.hk

RELATED SEARCHES:

Back Pain Medical

Medical Information

MD Medical

Medical Physicians

Symptoms Medical

Search

WHAT'S HOT: The Truth About Eggs LIVESTRONG Blogs Cold & Flu Center Must See Videos Sign up for our Newsletter!

FOOD FITNESS HEALTH WEIGHT LOSS LIFESTYLE TRACK CALORIES COMMUNITY BLOGS

Login or Register

OFFICIAL PARTNER OF THE LIVESTRONG FOUNDATION CANCER SUPPORT SHOP TEAM LIVESTRONG DONATE

What Are The Medical Uses Of Steroids? | LIVESTRONG.COM http://www.livestrong.com/article/146247-what-are-the-medic...

1 of 3 4/8/13 2:08 PM

MUST SEE: SLIDESHOW & VIDEO

MyPlate MyPlate D TargetHeart Rate

BMICalculator

QuitSmoking

Loops

FitnessTracker

What Are Some Examples ofSteroids?

Side Effects of Steroids for Women

Side Effects of Steroids for the Brain

What are the Functions of LipidSteroids?

Acne From Steroids

Show More

DISEASES & HEALTHCONDITIONS TOOLS

TRENDING NOW

The Long-Term Effects of Steroids

What Are the Side Effects ofPrednisone Steroid?

Information on Muscle-BuildingSteroids

Side Effects of Cutting Steroids

Steroid Effects on Women

advertisement

TweetTweet 00PRINT

Anabolic steroids increase protein building and skeletal muscle mass. A 2000 Annuals of Internal Medicinearticle notes that wasting syndromes identified in conditions such as HIV/AIDS and end-stage cancer aredefined by the word cachexia. Cachexia was described as being an inflammatory event that ultimately leads tomuscle breakdown, weight loss not countered by increased food consumption, fatigue, malaise, alteredconsciousness and bone marrow suppression among many other changes. These changes were described asa hypoanabolic state and the author states that anabolic steroid use may be helpful. When taken with a highprotein diet, anabolic steroids increased weight gain.

PREVENT ANEMIAAnemia results from a deficiency of or inability of red blood cells to properly bring oxygen to the tissues. Theproduction of new red blood cells occurs in the bone marrow and this process is monitored by the kidneys.The kidneys produce the hormone, erythropoietin to signal increased red blood cells production when itsenses that the oxygen level in the blood is too low. The 2000 article states that anabolic steroids have beenused when the kidneys begin to fail in chronic kidney disease to help stimulate red blood cell production andprevent anemia.

REFERENCESThe Royal Society: "How Steroids Switch Off Inflammation: Rewinding DNA"

The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: Steroids (Oral Cortisone)

Australian Prescriber: "Corticosteroids in Autoimmunity"

American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine: "Cachexia"

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Jun 11, 2010

Agoda's Best Hotel Offers

90 Seconds to Anfield

Ask a Doctor Online Now

ECOZMO Natural Paint

Sponsored Links

Save up to 75% Instant confirmation Check rates!Agoda.com/Hotels

Win A Chance To See Liverpool Up Close At Anfied.Learn More Here.facebook.com/SCB-90s-To-Anfield

A Doctor Will Answer in Minutes! Questions AnsweredEvery 9 Seconds.Health.JustAnswer.com

German Eco-Paint System - Safe for You & Kind toEnvironment!NaturalLiving.hk

Like 1 Send

RELATED SEARCHES:

Medical Society

State Medical

Medical Treatment

Medical Weight

Clinical Medical

16 Best Exercises from theWorld's Top Trainers

Surprising Health Benefitsof Coffee

The Healthiest Foods atFast Food Restaurants

What Are The Medical Uses Of Steroids? | LIVESTRONG.COM http://www.livestrong.com/article/146247-what-are-the-medic...

2 of 3 4/8/13 2:08 PM

YOU MAY ALSO BEINTERESTED IN

3 Ways to Treat Autoimmune Inner EarDisease

Liver Cancer End Stage Signs

5 Things You Need to Know AboutTaking Anabolic Steroids

6 Ways to Treat AutoimmuneDisorders Naturally

Steriod Medications for Asthma

Show More

Add Me

SIGN-UP FOR OURMAN.NEWSLETTER

WOMAN.NEWSLETTERGet the latest tips on diet, exercise and healthyliving.

Your email is safe with us. We hate spam too!

APR 6, 2013Is Walking EnoughTo Lose Weight?

APR 5, 2013One MinuteExercise Challenge

APR 4, 2013Why Gluten-FreeMay Be Right For You

APR 3, 2013Why Sitting for 4 HoursA Day Could Kill You

FEATURED THIS WEEK ON LIVESTRONG.COM

FOOD FITNESS HEALTH WEIGHT LOSS LIFESTYLE TRACK CALORIES COMMUNITY BLOGS

ABOUT BLOG CONTACT US & FAQ ADVERTISE WITH US PRESS SITEMAP

Copyright © 2013 Demand Media, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the LIVESTRONG.COM Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material appearing on LIVESTRONG.COM is foreducational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. The

LIVESTRONG Foundation and LIVESTRONG.COM do not endorse any of the products or services that are advertised on the web site. Moreover, we do not select every advertiser or advertisement thatappears on the web site-many of the advertisements are served by third party advertising companies. Ad Choices

What Are The Medical Uses Of Steroids? | LIVESTRONG.COM http://www.livestrong.com/article/146247-what-are-the-medic...

3 of 3 4/8/13 2:08 PM