There are two main types of steroids - those naturally produced in the body like testosterone which build muscle, and corticosteroids produced in the adrenal glands which influence energy use and salt/water levels. Corticosteroids were later discovered to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects when purified and taken in large doses as medicine to treat conditions involving inflammation like arthritis, asthma, and psoriasis. When discussing steroids for asthma treatment, corticosteroids are referred to for their anti-inflammatory properties.

1. Introduction
"Steroids" are a family of chemicals normally made within the body.
They serve as hormones—chemical signals that help to regulate the
body's growth and function. Some steroid hormones, like testosterone,
stimulate formation of protein and growth of muscle. Competitive
athletes have been known to take illicitly derivatives of these "bodybuilding" steroids in large amounts to improve their athletic performance.
A very different group of steroid hormones are the corticosteroids,
steroid hormones made in the cortex (hence, "cortico-") of the adrenal
glands, which sit adjacent to the kidneys. Corticosteroid hormones have
many different affects on body function, including influences on how we
use our energy stores (fat, protein, and sugar) and how we adjust the salt
and water content of our body.
Earlier this century it was discovered that corticosteroid hormones, if
purified and taken in large amounts as a medicine, have powerful antiinflammatory effects. Ever since this discovery, corticosteroids have
been used to treat a great variety of diseases where inflammation (not
infection and not cancer) is the major problem—from arthritis to
psoriasis to asthma. When you and your doctor talk about steroids to treat
your asthma, it is these anti-inflammatory corticosteroids about which
you are speaking.
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2. Table of Contents
Introduction ...................................................................................................... i
Table of Contents ............................................................................................ ii
Chapter I ............................................................................................. 1
1.1.
History ................................................................................................ 1
Chapter II ......................................................................................................................... 2
2.1. Inhaled Corticosteroids: What are they and how do they work ?
2
2.2Do I Need An Inhaled Corticosteroids ? ..................................... 3
2.3.How Effective Are Inhaled Corticosteroids ? ............................ 3
2.4The following of inhaled corticosteroids commonly use?.....4
2.5What Are the Common Inhaled Corticosteroids Side Effects ?. 4
2.6Wouldn’t it be easier to take corticosteroid tablets ?. ................. 7
Conclusion ........................................................................................... 8
References ........................................................................................... 9
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