💊Daily Pill: Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
The Big Guns
The Daily Pill is a series of very short daily posts where I share the definition of a medical term I think we should all know. Read it every morning and build up your medical vocabulary.
💊 Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (SAIDs)
Anti-inflammatory steroids - also known as corticosteroids, are powerful medications used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. They mimic the effects of hormones produced by the adrenal glands - such as cortisol, and typically come with non-trivial side effects.
SAIDs are commonly prescribed for conditions like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. They differ from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin, which are typically available over the counter for milder conditions, and reduce inflammation by inhibiting enzymes involved in the inflammatory process.
🤔Why you need to know:
While NSAIDs are useful for mild to moderate inflammation and pain, SAIDs are often reserved for more severe or persistent cases due to their potent effects. However, long-term use of SAIDs can lead to significant side effects, including weight gain, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, increased susceptibility to infections, mood changes, glaucoma, cataracts, and stomach ulcers.
It's important to follow medical guidance when using these medications and to be aware of the potential risks. Comparing SAIDs with NSAIDs helps in making informed decisions about treatment options based on the severity and nature of the inflammation.
🧠Trivia:
Corticosteroids were first used in the 1940s. The discovery of their anti-inflammatory properties revolutionized the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases and earned Dr. Philip Hench, Dr. Edward Kendall, and Dr. Tadeus Reichstein the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1950.
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