Inflammation is a normal process that occurs in the body as a reaction to injury or infection. When tissues are inflamed due to bacterial infection, trauma, toxins, or any other cause, the immune system produces substances such as histamines, prostaglandins, and cytokines. These chemicals cause the blood vessels to dilate, which results in redness and warmth of the affected area. They also recruit white blood cells to the site to help combat infections and facilitate tissue healing. This leads to inflammation, pain, and at times loss of function of the part that is affected. Acute inflammation is beneficial to the body, but chronic inflammation is the cause of many diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.
Steroids, specifically corticosteroids like dexamethasone, play a crucial role in the treatment of severe COVID-19. These drugs are anti-inflammatory agents that help reduce the body's immune response, which can become overactive during severe COVID-19 infections. The excessive immune response, often referred to as a "cytokine storm," can cause significant lung damage and other complications. By dampening this response, steroids help improve oxygenation, reduce the need for mechanical ventilation, and lower the risk of death in critically ill patients.
Although steroids are effective in managing severe COVID-19 cases, their administration has several side effects and complications. Prolonged steroid use can lead to:
In conclusion, steroids are helpful in the treatment of severe COVID-19 by modulating the inflammation process, but their administration should be closely regulated due to potential adverse effects.
Verifying, please be patient.