Lifesaving Lung Treatment: Low-Dose Steroids Reduce Deadly Inflammation
The study aimed to see how low doses of a steroid (hydrocortisone) affect a type of lung injury caused by bacteria in rats. The rats were given either the steroid or saline after being exposed to bacteria that caused lung injury. The results showed that rats receiving the steroid had better lung function and lower levels of inflammation compared to those given saline. The steroid also helped maintain blood pressure in the rats. This suggests that low doses of hydrocortisone can reduce lung swelling, decrease inflammation, and help the lungs function better when facing bacterial-induced lung injury.