What is the primary effect of corticosteroids on the body?

Corticosteroids primarily function to reduce inflammation in the body. These hormones, which are produced in the adrenal cortex, play a critical role in the body’s response to stress and inflammation. They achieve this by suppressing the activation of the immune system and inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and prostaglandins. This anti-inflammatory property makes corticosteroids effective in treating various conditions characterized by excessive inflammation, such as asthma, arthritis, and allergic reactions.

While corticosteroids can also lead to an increase in blood sugar levels due to their effect on glucose metabolism, this is considered a secondary effect rather than their primary action. Although they may have implications for immune responses, such as suppressing certain immune functions, stimulating immune responses is not a primary effect. Finally, while corticosteroids can play a role in enhancing lung function in certain conditions, such as in reducing airway inflammation, this is more of a therapeutic outcome rather than their main effect.