For what primary purpose are corticosteroids used?

Corticosteroids are primarily used for managing inflammation due to their potent anti-inflammatory properties. They work by suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response, which is essential in conditions where inflammation is a significant component, such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and allergic reactions. By reducing inflammation, corticosteroids help alleviate associated symptoms like pain, swelling, and redness, leading to improved patient outcomes.

While they can have other effects, such as providing some level of pain relief due to inflammation reduction, their primary mechanism of action is centered around controlling inflammation rather than directly addressing pain, infections, or appetite stimulation. Their utility in treating viral infections is limited, as they do not target the viruses themselves, and using them during such infections can potentially complicate the clinical picture. Similarly, while corticosteroids may influence appetite as a side effect, this is not their intended primary use in medical practice.