Can steroids save your life? - Anees Bahji

Explore the science of how corticosteroids sneak into our cells to help fight allergic reactions, rashes, asthma, and harmful immune responses.
--
Steroids: they’re infamous for their use in sports. But they’re also found in inhalers, creams to treat poison ivy and eczema, and shots to ease inflammation. The steroids in these medicines aren’t the same as those used to build muscle. In fact, they’re all based on yet another steroid- one our body produces naturally, and we can’t live without. Anees Bahji explores the science of corticosteroids.
Lesson by Anees Bahji, directed by Nick Hilditch.
Animator's website: nickhilditch.com
Sign up for our newsletter: bit.ly/TEDEdNewsletter
Support us on Patreon: bit.ly/TEDEdPatreon
Follow us on Facebook: bit.ly/TEDEdFacebook
Find us on Twitter: bit.ly/TEDEdTwitter
Peep us on Instagram: bit.ly/TEDEdInstagram
View full lesson: ed.ted.com/lessons/can-steroi...
Thank you so much to our patrons for your support! Without you this video would not be possible! Chung Wah Gnapp, Amber Alexander, Robert Patrick, Pi Guanghui, Barbara Younker, Ai Ejima, Soma Ali, Roman Pinchuk, Raheem, Hector Quintanilla, Leen Mshasha, Mariana Ortega, Danny Romard, James Bruening, Ricki Daniel Marbun, Malcolm Callis, Sabrina Gonzalez, Al the Scottish Wildcat, سلطان الخليفي, Alexander Walls, Della Palacios, Vik Nagjee, Hiroshi Uchiyama, Adi V, Andrew Bosco, Craig Sheldon, Rishi Pasham, Joanne Luce, Jason A Saslow, Mary Sawyer, Scott Gass, Ruth Fang, Mayank Kaul, Kathryn J Hammond, Max Shuai Tang, Terry Minion, Sami Khan, Rob Johnson, Abdullah Abdulaziz, Angelo Urzua-Milla, Tommy Lewis, leorene, Mahina Bachiller, Marcus Andre Nery, Bruce Vieira Lopes, Chef, Charmaine Hanson, Michael Goldberg and Lydia Pflieger.

[@weegeeismad9298]

1:52 The only true way to hold a cup.

[@madil2259]

Especially in the winters.

[@trolgar9749]

Lock down 0

[@trolgar9749]

ya

[@vincenta7104]

The italian way*

[@psychic-lizard]

JackSepticEye would like to know your location

[@sarveeshganesh8440]

I knew corticosteroids are anti-inflammatories but I didn't know how it worked,so thanks TED!!

[@antty3380]

-Ed

[@lostpattern9407]

-Teddy

[@riflo1959]

-Edd

[@jerry3790]

Amazing how quickly they released this after the recent study showing a steroid has the potential to treat COVID

[@mysterymen8486]

Really? Cane you send the link I really want to read it

[@vnrays3775]

Steroid can’t treat covid-19, it just lower the immune effects, so it helps with long-term survival rate.

[@dennysdonuts4918]

It's probably a coincidence or they deliberately pushed it's production speed after the news. Videos take a really long time to make, like every five mintues can need 20 or 30 minutes of editing, depending on what you're doing, so it's more likely to be a coincidence than intentional.

[@Sashhh-mk6gw]

@@mysterymen8486 just type up dexamethasone

[@pg3dvideos81]

Bro is a normal flu wake up

[@QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” ― Albert Einstein

[@darthmalice7464]

@Δημήτρης Μπαλφ u can't shut up a bot lol

[@paemonyes8299]

Δημήτρης Μπαλφ how do you tell a comment is a bot bcos I think I’ve seen one before but idk

[@yeetthephone2341]

Six nine likes

[@inactive6200]

Δημήτρης Μπαλφ the channel’s very sketchy

[@zealousdoggo]

@Δημήτρης Μπαλφ um how is quoting Einstein promoting a yt channel

[@Jobe-13]

I always loved how molecules look like small collections of honeycombs. That splurging sound makes me very uncomfortable.

[@gslivefbli]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJCxYoKVe9-ioNk

[@madil2259]

@@pratik2480 "most" is over exagerrated.

[@pulipakasrikiran9307]

One of the most stable form is that hexagonal carbon ring.

[@willasproth]

Pratik Sagle no they’re not

[@QuestionEverythingButWHY]

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” ― Carl Sagan

[@SnoopyDoofie]

God ...or Dog - Depending on which way you spell it.

[@marcferdinandiibas4971]

Δημήτρης Μπαλφ y should he?

[@zealousdoggo]

@Δημήτρης Μπαλφ beep beep beep boop buup robot says No U

[@JadeTrading]

Watching Ted-Ed's animated video is just satisfying and I don't know why.

[@JadeTrading]

123 456 Thank you for taking your time to write a very long reply!

[@firstname4304]

123 456 kiss eachother aready

[@quaintrelle_2333]

I’m such a fan of Ted-Ed’s animation.Hats off to everyone who did such a hard work,so that we can be educated.💯

[@aMiimo.n]

I really like this art style!

[@viofrostline9289]

Its roblox style

[@Aluxix]

No

[@prakharchaudhary9797]

No

[@tr0xic10]

No

[@cg5491]

I like it too

[@prakashrawat8734]

"Happiness is having a scratch for every itch" The single best quote ever. I am gonna devote my entire life completely towards following this. Dorime🙏

[@catmom391]

Omg TED ED for life

[@zeddo-kun]

Simp

[@catmom391]

Zeddo- Kun u caught me

[@vitthalgghotekar2948]

Correcto

[@noinfo3517]

"Can steroids save your life?" Well yes, but actually no.

[@ye4045]

It saved my life I was going to die no cap

[@tropical_flak]

You can use the cortisol to stop the cortisol, lol

[@__WinstonChristianoWiradinata]

This has explained everything, steroids is good but shouldnt be use too much

[@cookiecakeeater6340]

897th King of Judah ONE of the COVID treatments is a steroid, there are a lot of different COVID treatments

[@winw4548]

@897th King of Judah Misleading. Steroid don't treat covid-19. In severe cases, with severe respiratory symptoms that need ventilators steroid helps by reducing inflammation and suppressing overactive immune system that might cause cytokines storms. Steroid don't kill the virus. It has no roles in covid-19 cases with no symptom- moderate severity cases.

[@britneyborja8566]

This reminds me of my anatomy and physiology class, the animation is great and really helps to have a visual in learning all of these complex structures and functions! Thanks TedED!!

[@jessicapink703]

They certainly saved mine, they were important part of my chemotherapy when I fought Leukemia and fighting off the neurotoxicity that came as a side effect of the chemotherapy drugs.

[@erasier9189]

Hey Ted Ed... Y'all forgot to add that long term steroid use switches off the mechanism to produce cortisol. I have been on a steroid inhaler for asthma since I was 2... At the age of 25, I was diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency... Why didn't y'all mention that?! Also long term use of oral steroids in patients with lupus, hepatitis C, COPD etc has found to have a significant increase in the cases of secondary adrenal insufficiency!

[@carloalbino]

For real. There are so many downsides to steroids. Topical steroid withdrawal is a condition that happens when you stop using steroids for treating skin conditions like eczema. Steroids can be useful in emergencies, but I think humans have become too reliant on them to treat chronic conditions. Steroids are not cures, they just hide symptoms.

[@okaberintarou5219]

Yeah, basically long term steroids supress your body's own steroid production. And if u withdraw then suddenly, it can take time for your body to adjust back (in weeks), even as steroids are vital for some life functions (=need them daily). Thus leading to a very dangerous situation, which CAN be FATAL. Thus, whatever the cause for starting, Steroids are always TAPERED OFF (meaning their dose is gradually reduced over weeks to months until Zero). If you just stop taking them one fine day, you are risking a lot. Also, inhaled steroids aren't that bad, cuz the effect is mainly on the respiratory system, but years of use & yes, you should consult an expert before deciding to stop.

[@okaberintarou5219]

They aren't mentioning all the important facts, but they did cover a lot of basics in 5 mins. Steroids aren't just pills you can pop in whenever you want. Even for preventing Coronavirus. The study was controlled & people were in settings that could help nullify the negatives of steroid intake. It's not something you should try at home

[@winw4548]

Cost over benefit. Steroids are necessary for those diseases because otherwise it means death. 1.Lupus leads to organ failure that will need transplant without steroids. Transplant patient will likely need to take immunosuppressant llike cellcept after that which is more expensive and rejection rate are high. 2.Asthma: Pt given steroid if needed, Controlled asthma dont need steroid in most cases. Frequent asthma exacerbation will cause lung tissue damage. Systemic steroid should be given based on presence of inflammation in lungs only. 3.COPD; patient with high eosinophil count will benefit with steroid use.Otherwise long acting broncodilator will benefit patient. With copd unlike asthma the damage is irreversible so when needed it can be used. All these use of steroid are based on cost and benefit, with clear benefit. The concern would be more to inappropriate use as a magic drugs for pain, sore throat and as such. All medication have side effects. Why they have to only mention adrenal insufficiency? When steroid have long list of it, osteoporosis, gi bleeding, cushing syndrome, withdrawal syndrome and much more.

[@winw4548]

@@carloalbino Yes, people tend to look for the "best, fast and strongest". Steroid is not the mainstay treatment for eczema but emollient is. But since steroid shows effect faster, people tend to go for that and selection of steroid also matters with consideration of age,severity,site and chronicity of eczema. Long term steroidal need monitoring under skin specialist every 3 monthly but people tend to get it over the counter and most don't even know finger tip unit practice for steroid .

[@mbbbits4847]

You make reality more comprehensible. Thanks Teded👍

[@par9362]

TED-Ed: Can steroids save your life? Me: Can TED-Ed save your brain? (Answer: yes)

[@zealousdoggo]

My brain was smol before Ted Ed but now I have stronk brain

[@betawarier346]

I don't know why but TED-Ed always knows what kind of videos I need.

[@scienceandknowledgearchive8197]

Thats so great and informative. Love you Ted-Ed

[@aseemsaini4688]

Thanks to TED ED for their continuous informative work in a visual appealing manner. Love to watch and learn ✌️✌️✌️

[@Sashhh-mk6gw]

Seriously I learn so damn well through such amazing animations and teaching...

[@datawizard130]

Ted Ed : can steroids save your life? Me: Baseball tried that already to make the sport more exciting

[@blabla-rg7ky]

baseball is a sport?!?

[@hex5884]

what's a baseball

[@tahmid6399]

I have subscribed to Ted ed almost 4 week ago and from then I am in love of these vedio..They are very informative...Thanks Ted ed..

[@deanab-se5op]

Just looked up corticosteroid cream this morning and now TED-Ed covers this topic!

[@a_akie]

I've been using corticsteroids on and off for as long as I can remember because of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema. This video is really well delivered even though I already know what it does to my body. Thank you for this!

[@richardsackler7627]

Yeah it accelerates aging with a plethora of horrible side effects.

[@keepingcool7510]

May the person with the fastest wifi be first

[@knowledgeispowerandlearnin5284]

Haha

[@MrDavis-sc2ql]

May the signals be forever in your favour

[@janice9752]

I have eczema since I was born and had used steroids to keep my flare ups in control. Right now, I’m undergoing Topical Steroid Withdrawal syndrome and it’s definitely one of the hardest things i have to go through in my life.

[@erasier9189]

I feel for you. I have been on steroid inhalers and steroid creams since I was 2. I came off them and was then diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency. PLEASE keep an eye out, if you start feeling extremely fatigued and are getting weird symptoms. I really do hope that you get through the withdrawal OK 💜

[@dogethedog5057]

His voice is so soothing

[@lambdacoder4321]

Good knowledge + good animation + good narration = Ted ed.

[@AnnAdventures]

Great vidz.. I enjoyed watching. Coz i learned a lot thanks

[@D99IVYANAHU]

The most informative channel on KZbin.

[@weegeeismad9298]

*All I got from this is Cortisol does something good and bad.*

[@okaberintarou5219]

Also - More bad than good over long term exposure. Even with chronic inflammatory conditions, they have to shut off medicinal steroids at some point, give a break & restart it a while later. Basically, it is an excellent way to control severe inflammation (like asthma attacks not responding to typical inhalers). But since it messes up with DNA expression = in cell signalling, it can be a double-edged sword.

[@GabrieleirbaGabrieleirbag]

In a nut shell,yea.

[@Ninong_NEIL]

Sending love especially the narrator

[@mjstory1976]

Awesome and informative video

[@joel3536]

Given the results of the Oxford on dexamethasone, the timing of this video is impeccable

[@yuriarin3237]

it would be cool to have a video on autoimmune diseases generally! :D

[@landorsea7154]

Loved the video! :) But I noticed at 4:54 irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was mentioned instead of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These can both be unpleasant to have and are commonly mistaken for each other but only IBD is treated with steroids because it’s an inflammatory disease rather than a sensitivity of the colon. Thank you for any correction! Sincerely, someone with IBD.

[@techblizmax9660]

Yes I hate that misconception:(, I have IBD too, how are you?

[@ajithsidhu7183]

@TED ED pls do one how to cure mental illnesses and jurisprudence

[@yeetthyannoyingchild2346]

Those eyes of the people the way they move....ooh. I still am stuck on the phantom traffic video for the cool and calming swearing voice

[@chinulondhea3985]

Ted ed I love your videos♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@somerandomguy___]

I remember my teacher once telling us that she couldn’t go and do her job because her knee hurt too much so that the doctors couldn’t see what the problem is so they went “screw it” and got steroids into her knee and it fixed the problem

[@chrischetwyn1539]

But for how long?

[@opus53waldstein70]

Thank you Addisson, the official TEDed voice 😀

[@strange_and_magnificent]

This video’s animation is AMAZING 😉! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️❤️

[@disrael2101]

Super important and interesting topic for humans health

[@antifeixisme202]

Thank you. Im learning biology and english. Wanna more like this!

[@SuperGopiram]

Right video at right time. Many of us wants to know how dexamethasone works in covid.

[@elliotfinn146]

I love how Ted-ed changes their animation style for every video!

[@boy638]

You should also mention the dangers of steroids reliance. In the case of eczema, this video seem to show that steroids can solve the inflammation without side effects, but once you stop, the withdrawal inflammation could come back twice as hard.

[@richardsackler7627]

Yeah they are certainly not representing the true effects of steroids.

[@arjundubey3611]

great way of explaining ....can someone tell what softwares are used to make a video like this

[@SamuelSamuelSamuel1]

Adobe something?

[@blueharkgaming4751]

Just came here to comment when I saw that it was uploaded just before 59 second s

[@weegeeismad9298]

TED-ED is either happily enlightening or hurt fully truthful.

[@sariaanjum3421]

This video right after the study release about Dextromethosone helping in COVID death prevention

[@bioloqgnc4953]

This channel is perfect💎👍😍

[@AntonioManoelp]

This video was released in the just perfect time.

[@raemckay]

Great video, as always. A note: at 4:53, the video mentions "Irritable Bowel Syndrome" when it should have mentioned "Inflammatory Bowel Disease". IBS is not the same as IBD (which steroids treat) like Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis.

[@tayla83i]

Deffentinly IBD and IBS are very different

[@yannicktati8834]

so testosterone can help with crohn ?

[@Seb_No.13]

I have a question related to EpiPens. How do they work?

[@mrjituofficial]

Nice

[@fromoneslens]

❤ the graphics😊

[@FabulousCooki]

I thought this might have been a video linked to the Covid update relating to the steroid dexamethasone being found to improve the survival rate in the UK :o

[@matheussanthiago9685]

yup, so did I I guess it was just a case of incredible timing

[@jaybariya9]

Thought the same thing.

[@CellRus]

it definitely is! Its a calculated way TedEd does so that by the time its approved or disapproved, people will know what steroids are and dexamethasone!

[@alexisjimenez6522]

It's related, COVID induce a Systemic inflammatory Response, which is an overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines, so antiinflammatory drugs, incluiding corticosteroids are used to control the cytokine storm.

[@FabulousCooki]

@unregisteredhypercam 12 haha my bad! 😅

[@CellRus]

Dexamethasone vibe! Its good to start preparing people the knowledge they will need

[@dodkiwi]

no offense but you inverted the C and the O on the ketone of progesterone at 1:08. i'm very fond of this molecule, please write it correctly

[@siddharthabhattacharya391]

When you have nothing to comment

[@blabla-rg7ky]

... you get an upvote

[@omsingharjit]

So it can also me used in Respiratory infection like caused by covid ?

[@felixlee9645]

we need riddles! and plenty of them!

[@llfn1718]

Ted-ed: "can steroids save your life?" Given the video is 5 minutes I'm going to assume.....yes?

[@snehasissarkar4853]

My mother is diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency (addison's disease) since 2016. She has been consuming hydrocortisone steroid since then. Although the dosage has been decreased over the years. I can clearly see the side effects. Her stress level persists for longer than normal. The rashes. But can't deny the life saving effects as well. The doc says she has to keep continuing with the meds, else things can go out of hand. This video is very reassuring.

[@_LadyLazarus_]

@Snehasis Sarkar if you don't mind me asking, which endocrinologist did your mother see? I ask this because by your name I can tell you're a Bengali and I'm assuming you live in Kolkata as well (although I might be wrong but still taking a shot). Actually, I'm looking for a good endocrinologist here in Kolkata, who is adept in these matters.

[@snehasissarkar4853]

@@_LadyLazarus_ Yes I'm from kolkata. And my mother does her treatment from Dr Shyamashish Bondhypadhyay. Although he's not an endocrinologist but he is a fine physician, very experienced. And he's the one who was able to diagnose the disease in my mother. You can get his appointment only at apollo gleneagles. But you should book as early as possible.. Glad I could I help ✌️

[@_LadyLazarus_]

@@snehasissarkar4853 Thank you so much! 🙇🏾‍♀️

[@harithwijeratne872]

Awesome video 😍❤️

[@tiamelancholyjeoncockity]

I made sure to reread the title at least 4 times.

[@fooddeliciousness7576]

great video🙋

[@aloyperez2059]

Is it wierd that i hum to the tone of ted-ed's intro every video?

[@Gamerdudeascher]

Important to note that long term use of topical isn't necessarily good. Look up topical steroid withdrawal, I suffered that nightmare for 2 years.

[@thenotred]

Oh no...it's chemistry The only subject that I failed

[@britneyborja8566]

Aswell as Biology and Anatomy & Physiology with subjects in immunology and medical applications 😊😁

[@zaimzainal6635]

@@britneyborja8566 chemistry....and physic. They are the hardest

[@fraxizztv6433]

Walter White is not amused!! Apply yourself!

[@nameruupadhyay7015]

Wow nice

[@toasterstrudelboy6934]

All the how fun and how the videos are educational

[@SamuelSamuelSamuel1]

I’ve taken Dexamethazone, everything hurts, your dizzy, you can’t sleep, it’s saved my life when I get severe asthma attacks, BUT IT SUCKS

[@adylaar6708]

Answer is yes. It reduces inflammation and thus reduce pain. Best use for acute inflammation like gout, severe allergies etc.

[@maxhill9254]

thx

[@coyoterunner1126]

Here i am with having struggled for a very long period with acne and walking around literally every day so tired because of a high(or low?! Dont even know and tests didnt gave me any proper results) cortisol.. if anyone shares or shared the same thing please feel so friendly what had helped.. 🙂

[@riflo1959]

Lmao right when I got steroids after having a allergic reaction good timing TED!

[@chickenhound6740]

I don’t know if this exists but I would kill for a Ted-Ed tv show

[@Molly-ss4fw]

The only upside to having pathetic asthmatic lungs is that I get to make the same "I'm on steroids" joke every time a friend sees my medication

[@sphakamisozondi]

01:23, 01:27, 01:47, 01:50 Those sound effects are soo satisfying.

[@gothicdragonwarriorqueen5819]

Interesting!!!🙂❤👍

[@martaguzman4596]

Interesting, although I though it would cover the other alternative: What happens if your body is not able to produce cortisol? aka congenital adrenal hyperplasia

[@biggerbegansmallerthanus8583]

What about skin whitening creams that contain steroids? What are the exact reasons that they are so dangerous and how do they work?

[@aryayudha6414]

Corticosteroid are a blessing for people with autoimmune disease.

[@specificsetter]

When will ted come to the talk?

[@descipher]

TED Can you discuss about use of Histamine as anti inflammation drug.

[@Graveyardgirl33]

Cool video

[@powjamaica]

Just because other signalling molecules have to bind to the outside of the cell, doesn’t mean they are slower. Because corticosteroids alter gene expression, they actually take much longer to show their effects, than many “extra-cellular signallers”.

[@dennysdonuts4918]

Kind of a "too much of a good thing is a bad thing" situation or a "between a rock and a hard place" situation.

[@souravbiswas-sw4yn]

Son:- why's my sister named rose? Father:- because your mother love roses Son:- ohh cool, thanks Father:- no problem anabolic steroids

[@blitzdream3683]

I had steroids when I was a baby, when I was a baby I had a worst flu ever, my throat filled up and I couldn’t breathe and I’m starting to change color so my parents quickly rush me to the hospital, then the doctor helped me to breathe, later the doctor said to my parents if you guys waited another 5 minutes then your child will be gone, then the doctor said we could give your child steroids then she’ll have 70% chances of staying alive and if we not give her steroids then she’ll have 25% chances staying alive, so then my parents pick steroids. So now I’m here alive, now I’m much more stronger and my wounds heal faster than other kids my age😅

[@user-cf5zt5jb8z]

Interesting!🧐👍

[@Bananaboy994]

James Willems needs to see this!

[@user-ci2lg1lw5b]

스테로이드는 언제나 몸에 나쁜 영향을 끼칠 수 있다고 생각 하였지만 알레르기 반응과 같이 위험한 면역반응을 스테로이드가 막아주는 중요한 역활을 하는 것이 가장 인상이 깊었습니다. 이렇게 배경지식을 만들어가니 세상이 조금 더 다르게 느껴지는 것 같습니다. 감사합니다.

[@harshshukla2412]

Happiness is having scratch for every itch -Ogden Nash Happiness is listening to Ted ed vedios with narration by *Addison Anderson* -Me

[@gavinresendiz1025]

The first 2 minutes explain how Steve Rogers’ serum worked on his muscles

[@AlaePulli]

The progesterone molecule looks wrong...

[@youstolemyhandleyoutwat]

My mom had lupus. She only lived for 10 years after being diagnosed with lupus. She died jan 16th this year.