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.