GC: n
S: WHO – https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/who-updates-clinical-care-guidance-with-corticosteroid-recommendations (last access: 19 November 2023); NBC News – https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/common-pain-treatment-arthritis-faster-progression-rcna58975 (last access: 19 November 2023).
N: 1. 1944, from cortico-, combining form of “corticoid”, + “steroid”. So called because they are produced in the adrenal cortex. Related: Corticosterone.
2. Corticosteroids, often known as steroids, are an anti-inflammatory medicine. They’re prescribed for a wide range of conditions.
They’re a synthetic version of hormones, normally produced by the adrenal glands (2 small glands that sit on top of the kidneys).
3. Corticosteroids are mainly used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
They’re used to treat conditions like:
- asthma
- allergic rhinitis and hay fever
- urticaria (hives)
- atopic eczema
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- painful and inflamed joints, muscles and tendons
- lupus
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica
- multiple sclerosis (MS)
Corticosteroids can also be used to replace certain hormones that aren’t naturally produced by the body. This is the case in people with Addison’s disease.
4. Hormones and Biotechnology: A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex or synthesized.
5. Administered as drugs they reduce swelling and decrease the body’s immune response.
S: 1. OED – https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=corticosteroid (last access: 19 November 2023). 2&3. NHS – https://www.nhsinform.scot/tests-and-treatments/medicines-and-medical-aids/types-of-medicine/corticosteroids/ (last access: 19 November 2023). 4&5. TERMIUM PLUS – https://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-eng.html?lang=eng&i=1&srchtxt=CORTICOSTEROID&codom2nd_wet=1#resultrecs (last access: 19 November 2023).
SYN: renal cortical steroid, corticoid. (depending on context)
S: TERMIUM PLUS – https://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-eng.html?lang=eng&i=1&srchtxt=CORTICOSTEROID&codom2nd_wet=1#resultrecs (last access: 19 November 2023)
