Corticosteroid drugs are prescribed for a variety of conditions, including:

• Allergies (e.g., hay fever, allergic sinusitis). Exaggerated or inappropriate reaction of the immune system to any substance that, in most people, causes no symptoms. Applying corticosteroids directly to the mucous membranes (using inhalers or nasal sprays) can reduce or prevent inflammation due to contact with an allergen.
  
  
• Asthma. Condition in which the airways become blocked or narrowed, causing shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Corticosteroids are used to reduce or prevent inflammation and narrowing in the bronchial tubes.
  

  

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A chronic, progressive disease of the lungs that reduces airflow over time, causing coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Corticosteroids may be recommended in patients who are not benefitting from other therapy.
  
  
• Atopic dermatitis. Skin condition usually characterized by itching and a red, raised rash. Topical corticosteroid creams are used to treat the rashes experienced with this condition.
  
  
• Contact dermatitis. Any inflammation that occurs on the skin’s surface after coming in contact with an allergen or irritant. Topical corticosteroids may be prescribed to treat inflammation in a confined area.
  
  
• Urticaria (hives). Smooth, raised, red, pink or white bumps of varying sizes that can appear suddenly anywhere on the body and can cause discomfort and itching. Corticosteroids may be recommended when antihistamines fail to relieve symptoms. They relieve inflammation and swelling and lessen the chance of the rash recurring.  
  

  
  

• Angioedema. A condition in which the skin swells and welts form on the skin, usually near the eyes, mouth, hands, feet and genitals. Corticosteroids may be prescribed to lessen swelling, redness and itching in moderate to severe cases of angioedema. 

  
  

• Lupus. An autoimmune, inflammatory disease. Corticosteroids are able to treat inflammation and control many of this condition’s moderate to severe symptoms.
  
  
• Cystic fibrosis. Genetic disease characterized by respiratory problems due to poor salt absorption. Corticosteroids are used to treat the inflamed tissues in the respiratory tract often associated with cystic fibrosis.
  
  
• Irritated bowel conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease). Conditions often characterized by an inflamed or irritated intestine. Corticosteroids treat these conditions by reducing inflammation in the intestines.
  
  
• Multiple sclerosis (MS). Chronic neurological disease of the central nervous system. Corticosteroids reduce MS attacks by reducing spinal cord and brain inflammation.
  
  
• Cancer pain. Some types of cancerous growths cause swelling and pain. Corticosteroids are able to relieve swelling and reduce the amount of pain associated with this condition.
  
  
• Rheumatoid arthritis. Condition characterized by pain and swelling in the joints. Corticosteroids reduce painful joint inflammation associated with this condition.
  
  
• Carpal tunnel syndrome. Condition caused by an inflammation in the wrist that puts pressure on a nerve, causing pain. Corticosteroids are capable of providing pain relief by reducing inflammation and pressure in the wrist.
  
  
• Nephrotic syndrome. Kidney disorder characterized by low levels of protein in the blood. Corticosteroids help restore normal function to the kidneys by reducing inflammation.