What Causes Abdominal Bloating And Swelling After Having Prednisone?

Posted on Wed, 9 Dec 2015

Wed, 9 Dec 2015 Answered on

Mon, 4 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I took 2 prednisone & its been 2 days since i took it last I am so bloated & swollen and up 6 pounds. How long does it take to go away and my body to be normal

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The weight gain, if water, should resolve quickly.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Prednisone can cause weight gain as you know. It can cause both retention of water and can increase fat storage.

Usually if you only take it for a short burst, the weight is from water retention, which will make you feel bloated or swollen as you described. It is less likely to cause any significant fat gain unless you are on it longer.

The water weight gain should resolve fairly quickly in the next few days. I think by 2 weeks it should have completely resolved.

I hope this information helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (50 minutes later)

Okay thank you. Since I only took two one on saturday and one on sunday- now that it is Tuesday should the bloating go down in a few days or a fe weeks?w

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
a few more days

Detailed Answer:
I would expect the water gain to be better within a week.

Avoid salty foods right now as that can cause you to retain water.

Also avoid unrefined carbohydrates such as sugar and things made with white flour.

I think you will be doing better soon.

Best wishes,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar