Clinical Definition

Corticosteroids are synthetic compounds that produce physiological effects similar to the chemicals produced by the human adrenal cortex. Corticosteroids decrease the inflammatory process and the immune system response, which may have a therapeutic effect on a variety of diseases.

In Our Own Words

Corticosteroids are a type of medication made to induce some of the same effects as the hormone, cortisol, which is produced naturally by the human adrenal gland. These medications are anti-inflammatory, meaning they reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals and decrease certain activities in immune cells. Although inflammation is part of the body’s natural system of defenses, it can also be excessive and lead to tissue injury.

Corticosteroids are commonly prescribed by doctors to treat a variety of medical conditions that involve destructive inflammation like arthritis, asthma and lupus.