Word parts
What it means
A group of drugs made to work like cortisolKOR-tih-solA steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, stress and inflammation.Full entry , the hormone made by the adrenal glands. They calm swelling, allergy and the immune system, so they are used for asthma, COPDsee-oh-pee-dee (said as letters)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to move air out of the lungs.chronic long-lastingobstructive blockingpulmon/o lung-ary relating toFull entry , rheumatoid arthritisROO-muh-toyd ar-THRY-tisA long-term autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints.rheumat/o flowing, joint pain-oid likearthr/o joint-itis inflammationFull entry , skin problems and many other conditions, and to replace missing hormone. Examples are prednisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone and hydrocortisone. Long use can raise blood glucose, thin the bones, cause weight gain and a round face, and make infections more likely.
For the nurse
Give oral doses with food, in the morning when possible. Check blood glucose, blood pressure and weight, and watch for signs of infection, which may be hidden. Teach the client never to stop a long-term steroid suddenly: the dose is lowered slowly (tapered) so the adrenal glands can start working again.
In a chart
"Prednisone taper: 40 mg daily for 3 days, then lower by 10 mg every 3 days."
At a glance
| Spanish | corticosteroide |
|---|---|
| Also written | corticosteroids, glucocorticoid, glucocorticoids |
Related terms
hyperglycemia
A blood glucose level above normal, over 100 mg/dL when fasting.
osteoporosis
A condition in which bones lose density and become thin, weak and easy to break.
-oid
A word ending that means like or resembling.
cortisol
A steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, stress and inflammation.