Final answer:
Corticosteroids suppress the immune system by reducing the counts and inhibiting the function of eosinophils and lymphocytes. This helps manage inflammatory and autoimmune diseases; however, it increases the risk of infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Corticosteroids have an immunosuppressive effect on both eosinophils and lymphocytes. They reduce the number and inhibit the function of these immune cells, which play critical roles in our body's defense against infections and inflammation. Corticosteroids, by mimicking the action of cortisol, suppress the inflammatory response which is a part of how our body naturally reacts to stress and infection.
Corticosteroids decrease the count of eosinophils, which are crucial in fighting off parasitic infections and are involved in allergy responses. By reducing eosinophil counts, corticosteroids can help manage inflammatory diseases like asthma, where eosinophils contribute to the respiratory inflammation. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell instrumental in the immune response. Corticosteroids can inhibit lymphocyte production and lead to reduced immune surveillance. This is beneficial in managing autoimmune diseases but poses a risk of increasing susceptibility to infections.