What is the main purpose of corticosteroids in medical treatments?

Corticosteroids are primarily used in medical treatments to reduce inflammation and swelling. This class of medications mimics the effects of hormones that are produced naturally by the adrenal glands, which play a crucial role in regulating immune response and inflammation. When inflammation occurs in response to injury or infection, the body releases certain substances that lead to swelling, redness, and pain.

Corticosteroids work by suppressing these inflammatory responses, thereby alleviating symptoms and promoting healing in conditions such as asthma, arthritis, and allergic reactions. Additionally, they can be used in autoimmune diseases where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. By effectively managing inflammation, corticosteroids can enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from various inflammatory conditions.

The other choices relate to different physiological processes and are not the primary functions of corticosteroids, which is why they are not considered correct in this context.