Had Bad Asperations From Copd. Took Antibiotics. Taking Predisone. Would This Cause Ankles And Legs To Swell?

Posted on Sat, 7 Sep 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 8 Sep 2013 Answered on

Tue, 24 Sep 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : was released from hospital 2 days ago after 1 week of bad asperations from my copd i am off all antibiotics but taking 80 mg day of predisone. would this cause my legs and anles to swell twice the size they normally are. i am also on 2 l oxygen right now
my ox level is 91 at rest and hr is 115

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, prednisone can contribute to swelling

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing in.

I can understand your concern ma'am. But you are in fact correct, prednisone can in fact lead to or promote swelling of hands, legs, feet, etc; as it can result in fluid retention and/or a reduction in urine output.

So yes ma'am, you are in fact right. But I am sure your doctor has weighed the pros and cons; as in controlled amounts (prednisone) the swelling can be controlled ma'am, do not worry.

I hope this information helps. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D