The 3 types of corticosteroids and their effects on the body

These hormones are involved in various physiological and psychological processes.

Probably many of us have either suffered or know someone who has suffered from 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 a group of drugs with similar properties.

In this sense, we can find different types of corticosteroidsThe best known ones are the ones we are going to see in this article.

Corticosteroids: basic concept

Corticosteroids or corticosteroids are a group of drugs that produce an effect similar to that of cortisol secreted by the adrenal cortex. Although cortisol is a stress-related hormone a hormone linked to stressIt also has a series of effects of great relevance for the maintenance of our health.

Corticosteroids are characterized by being steroid-type substances, compounds based on the substance known as sterane, which are part of living organisms and are made up of hormone and vitamin structures. Their function is multiple, . they are important in the metabolism and the secretion and utilization of sugars and fats, among other areas, and are linked to the body's homeostasis.. body homeostasis and is also linked to the functioning of the immune system. They are potent Anti-Inflammatory and immune system suppressors, ideal for treating allergies, arthritis, asthma or other types of inflammation, whether or not they are the product of the immune system.

When we talk about corticosteroids as drugs, we are talking about drugs 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 may pose a certain danger. Among them we find the risk of hypertension, cataracts, glaucoma or diabetes, while many other side effects may occur.but many other side effects can also occur. That is why they are generally used for as short a time as possible and mostly in smaller and smaller doses.

Different types of corticosteroids

Although we have commented on 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 ones we can find the following,

1. Glucocorticoids

One of the best known types of corticosteroids, if not the best known, is glucocorticoids. Within this group we find substances mainly directed to the control of inflammatory processes.

Their action generates a decrease in the functionality of the immune system, which is essential for treating allergic reactions such as food or drug reactions. They are also used in situations such as asthma, problems such as osteoarthritis, or even in the treatment of post-chemotherapy entiemetics in cancer patients.

Well-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 those cases in which the organism has deficient levels of endogenous corticosteroids. It facilitates the secretion of cortisone by the pituitary gland.. Its action is usually more diagnostic than therapeutic, being more common the use of glucocorticoids at the treatment level.

3. Mineralcorticoids

Mineralcorticoids are perhaps the least known group of corticosteroids by the general population. The main function of these substances is to maintain the chemical balance of the body, acting mainly at the renal level.

Their action generates a greater control of salt and sodium retention and makes it possible to regulate and avoidance of excessive loss of body fluids through urination. The main representative of this group is fludrocortisone.

Two prototypical drugs

We have talked about the basic types of corticosteroids and mentioned some examples of them. But perhaps some specific drugs may be more visual or more familiar. The two cases we will mention separately both because they are extremely well known and because they also have typical properties of mineralcorticoids in spite of being glucocorticoids.

Cortisone

Probably the best known drug of this group of drugs. Its action is mainly that of a glucocorticoid, being especially used in the treatment of various types of inflammations.. However, it also has an action on salt metabolism and fluid retention, as well as in the metabolism of carbohydrates, which has properties that link it to mineralcorticoids.

It is used in multiple disorders, both at 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 best known types of corticosteroids is hydrocortisone. Like cortisone it is classified as a glucocorticoid, but it also has regulatory effects similar to those of mineralcorticoids. It is often used as a supportive medicationand is probably one of the least strong.

Its applications include the treatment of skin rashes, irritations, allergies, itching or even as a 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, being possible to find different depending on the criterion to be used to group these drugs..

Another of the main ones is the one that takes into account their mode of application or presentation. In this sense we can find the following types of corticosteroids: oral (tablets), injected (whether intravenous, parenteral or intramuscular), inhaled (such as the typical inhaler), aerosols or topical (creams). Also suppositories and drops.

Finally, they can also be grouped according to their half-life. In this sense, we would find corticosteroids of short (between 8-12 hours), medium (between 18 and 36 hours approximately) and long (more than 36 hours) life.

Bibliographic references:

• Corticoides.org. (n.d.). Corticoids. Available at: http://www.corticoides.org/
• Pensabeni, J.T.; Panush, R. (1996). Review corticosteroid usage. Observations at a community hospital. Am J Med Sci.