What is one common use of corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids are commonly used to reduce inflammation in various medical conditions. They work by mimicking the effects of hormones that are naturally produced by the adrenal glands, which play a significant role in regulating the body's response to stress and inflammation. By inhibiting the immune response and reducing the permeability of blood vessels, corticosteroids effectively lower the levels of inflammation and swelling in affected tissues. This makes them particularly useful in treating conditions such as arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmune disorders, where inflammation is a central issue.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary use of corticosteroids. For example, while they may have some effects on pain management due to their anti-inflammatory properties, their main function is not to relieve pain directly. Additionally, corticosteroids are not used to treat infections as they can potentially suppress the immune system and make infections worse. They are also not a first-line treatment for anxiety; other classes of medications, such as anxiolytics or antidepressants, are typically used for that purpose.