Steroids and COVID-19!!!

STEROIDS Most of the people in the world are medicated with steroids for different types of chronic diseases. A certain type of steroid is found to be more susceptible to the viral infections such as SARS and as in the recent days "COVID -19".   Classes of  Steroids The classes of steroids are : 1. Progestins 2. Androgens 3. Estrogens and 4. Corticoids Out of these types of steroids, Glucocorticoids are the drugs that are more susceptible to viral infections which are more likely to contract COVID-19, if they are affected, they are likely to show severe symptoms.   Glucocorticoids are a class of corticosteroids, which are a class of steroid hormones. Glucocorticoids are corticosteroids that bind to the glucocorticoid receptor that is present in almost every vertebrate cell. The name "glucocorticoid" is a portmanteau (glucose + cortex + steroid) and is composed from its role in regulation of glucose metabolism, synthesis in the adrenal cortex, and its steroidal structure. This can be produced by the body itself. But in cases, it cannot be secreted due to some chronic problems. For example, Adrenal Insufficiency, Inflammatory diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease and so on. Glucocorticoids have both pros and cons. It is the condition of Immuno deficiency which is these steroids suppress the immune system. And the drug taking person cannot fight off the infection once they are affected. They are more likely to show severe responses as their immune system cannot resist or fight it.  For the patients undertaking glucocorticoid, if they are affected with the disease, they should immediately double their dose until the fever subsides. If the symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting occur at extreme stages, they should contact their doctors who might decide to prescribe Parenteral Glucocorticoid Therapy. https://diabetes-endocrinology.pulsusconference.com/