What is the primary effect of systemic corticosteroids?

What is the primary effect of systemic corticosteroids?

• A. Increase airway constriction.
• B. Decrease blood glucose levels.
• C. Reduce airway inflammation and prevent exacerbations.
• D. Stimulate bone growth.

Answer: (C)

Systemic corticosteroids act mainly to suppress inflammation. By engaging glucocorticoid receptors, they decrease the production of inflammatory mediators, lessen immune cell recruitment to inflamed tissues, and reduce edema and mucus production in the airways. In respiratory conditions, this anti-inflammatory effect improves airway function and lowers the risk of exacerbations, which is why reducing airway inflammation and preventing flare-ups is the best description of their primary action. They do not cause increased airway constriction—in fact, they help relieve it over time. They can raise blood glucose levels with systemic use and, with long-term use, contribute to bone loss—not stimulate bone growth—so those statements aren’t correct.

Systemic corticosteroids act mainly to suppress inflammation. By engaging glucocorticoid receptors, they decrease the production of inflammatory mediators, lessen immune cell recruitment to inflamed tissues, and reduce edema and mucus production in the airways. In respiratory conditions, this anti-inflammatory effect improves airway function and lowers the risk of exacerbations, which is why reducing airway inflammation and preventing flare-ups is the best description of their primary action. They do not cause increased airway constriction—in fact, they help relieve it over time. They can raise blood glucose levels with systemic use and, with long-term use, contribute to bone loss—not stimulate bone growth—so those statements aren’t correct.