What Causes Swelling In Neck While Treating Lupus?

Posted on Tue, 20 Oct 2015

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

Tue, 20 Oct 2015 Answered on

Thu, 12 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Good Evening, I'm 40 years old female. I have lupus, was in the hospital for 30 days due to sepsis. while in the hospital PCP checked lupus levels and were elevated. I was put on prednisone, I was discharged last Thursday and I am to continue the steroids until I see my new Rheumatologist next week on the 27 . the issue is that I have swelling on my neck that is spreading around my neck like a necklace. I am concerned as I had neck swelling before but only on the sides of my collarbone and face. can this affect my oxygen levels? I still feel weak from my whole hospitalization and is making me nervous. is this swelling even dangerous or am I overreacting?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It can probably be steroid induced.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,

Thank you for posting your query on HCM.

Well looking into your query I will like to tell you that what swelling you are mentioning is probably cushingoid facies due to steroid use . I will suggest you to please send a photograph of swelling so that we can see and guide you better . Also please attach your medicine prescription and one more thing send your urine intake and output .

Take care.

Dr.Shruti

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