What condition is Hydrocortisone primarily used to treat?

Hydrocortisone is primarily used to treat adrenal insufficiency, which is a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol, a vital hormone for various bodily functions including metabolism, immune response, and stress management. In cases of adrenal insufficiency, patients may require replacement therapy to restore normal levels of cortisol, and hydrocortisone is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for this purpose.

Additionally, hydrocortisone can be employed in other contexts, such as ocular inflammation, asthma, or allergic rhinitis, but its key role is in replacing cortisol for those whose bodies do not produce it adequately. The use of hydrocortisone helps to alleviate symptoms associated with adrenal insufficiency, enabling patients to maintain physiological balance and manage their overall health effectively.