Corticosteroids: What They Are, How They Work, and What You Need to Know

When your body is fighting inflammation, pain, or an overactive immune system, corticosteroids, a class of synthetic drugs that mimic hormones your adrenal glands naturally produce. Also known as steroids, they’re one of the most powerful tools doctors have to calm down severe reactions—from asthma attacks to autoimmune flare-ups. But they’re not harmless. These drugs don’t just target the problem—they touch nearly every system in your body, which is why side effects range from mild weight gain to serious bone loss or diabetes.

What most people don’t realize is that corticosteroids aren’t just one thing. prednisone, a common oral form used for arthritis, allergies, and skin conditions, works differently than inhaled corticosteroids, like fluticasone, designed to act only in the lungs with minimal absorption. Then there’s topical corticosteroids, creams and ointments for eczema or psoriasis that stay mostly on the skin. Each type has its own risk profile. Taking oral steroids for weeks? You might see blood sugar spikes or mood swings. Using a nasal spray long-term? You could get a dry throat or nosebleeds. The dose, duration, and route all change the game.

These drugs are often necessary, but they’re not a long-term fix. Many patients end up stuck on them because their condition flares up the moment they stop. That’s why doctors try to taper slowly, switch to non-steroid options, or combine them with lifestyle changes. The posts here cover real-world problems: how corticosteroids can trigger anxiety, why they’re risky during pregnancy, how they interact with common foods like licorice, and what to do when your body starts reacting in unexpected ways. You’ll find practical advice on managing side effects, spotting dangerous interactions, and knowing when to push back on your provider if something doesn’t feel right. This isn’t theoretical—it’s what people actually experience when they’re on these meds, day after day.