Arthritis Treatment With Steroids

Main target of rheumatoid arthritis treatment is to stop inflammatory process because with time inflammation becomes a permanent disturbing factor and source of pain and discomfort.

Corticosteroids (also called steroids) are second major group of drugs which are used against inflammations in people with rheumatoid arthritis/ This group of drugs prevents body from production of substances (called prostaglandins) that may cause inflammations.

Corticosteroids perform one more function in rheumatoid arthritis. There is evidence that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It means that immune system mistakenly acts on healthy tissue instead of fighting bacteria and viruses.

Corticosteroids reduce autoimmune activity, thus eliminating its potential harm. Steroids make blood leukocytes work less effectively. Unfortunately it means that in the meantime in different people by different degree lowers immune system ability to resist infections.

Corticosteroids are not only drugs but also hormones that are produced from cortisone. Cortisone is produced in atrabiliary capsules and it has an effect on many vital functions in the body. Cortisone regulates fluid-and-electrolyte balance and metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Stress makes atrabiliary capsules produce additional amounts of cortisone which helps the body fight stress. However, you should know that corticosteroids and anabolic steroids are two different things. In arthritis treatment anabolic steroids are not used.