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Suggest Treatment For Edema In Legs While On Prednisone In An Elderly Person
Question: I am a 78 year old male and have had edema in both legs for the last 15 years. I recently was given a Medro-Pack for a bad cold and with-in 5 days my leg edema went away. Now after 11 days with-out prednisone my leg edema has returned . Please explain!
Brief Answer:
Prednisone has potent and persistent diuretic effect.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Medro-pack contains prednisone. Prednisone is mainly a glucocorticoid, helpful in inflammation, immunity and metabolism
2. It is also known to produce potent and peristent diuresis in congestive cardiac failure. Bilateral lower limb edema is commonly a mild manifestation of very mild congestive cardiac failure. Studies have shown its role, even in resistant diuresis. At present, this has happened.
3. Only in overload condition, it is beneficial. However, it is not indicated to reduce edema, as it not its major effect and if taken for long period, has major serious side effects.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Prednisone has potent and persistent diuretic effect.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Medro-pack contains prednisone. Prednisone is mainly a glucocorticoid, helpful in inflammation, immunity and metabolism
2. It is also known to produce potent and peristent diuresis in congestive cardiac failure. Bilateral lower limb edema is commonly a mild manifestation of very mild congestive cardiac failure. Studies have shown its role, even in resistant diuresis. At present, this has happened.
3. Only in overload condition, it is beneficial. However, it is not indicated to reduce edema, as it not its major effect and if taken for long period, has major serious side effects.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
I was told 5 years ago that I had lymphedema in my legs and I had them rapped for a couple of months and the legs went back to normal. However as soon as I stopped rapping them the edema returned.
Brief Answer:
Bilateral leg edema is rarely lymphedema
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
1. Lymphedema is usually due to lymphatic obstruction.
2. Usually bilateral obstruction is rare and bilateral limb edema commonest cause is congestive cardiac failure secondary to hypertension.
3. Wrapping them will reduce external pressure and hence reduce edema and this was what happened. Even limb elevation overnight with 2-3 pillows, so that the legs are above heart level can reduce edema. Diuretics will also reduce edema.
4. Even if it is lymphedema, there is extra fluid and prednisone can reduce it.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Bilateral leg edema is rarely lymphedema
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
1. Lymphedema is usually due to lymphatic obstruction.
2. Usually bilateral obstruction is rare and bilateral limb edema commonest cause is congestive cardiac failure secondary to hypertension.
3. Wrapping them will reduce external pressure and hence reduce edema and this was what happened. Even limb elevation overnight with 2-3 pillows, so that the legs are above heart level can reduce edema. Diuretics will also reduce edema.
4. Even if it is lymphedema, there is extra fluid and prednisone can reduce it.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Can I take 1 mg of prednisone each day indefinitely without no long term side effects to control the leg edema since that is all that is necessary?
Brief Answer:
No, it cannot be taken.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
No, you cannot take any amount of prednisone for long term. Side effects are always going to be present, which include increased risk of infections due to suppressed immunity, altered memory, thinning of skin and mucosa leading onto ulceration and bleeding, mood changes, psychotic behaviour, abnormal glucose metabolism and abnormal response to stress.
The body glucocorticoids production response is suppressed when you take it externally and over long period, even 2-3 months, your body will not respond adequately to any stressors in life.
If necessary, limb elevation overnight with pillows and strapping can be done on a regular basis. As there is no ulceration or bleeding spots on legs, it is not complicated edema and does not require therapy with prednisone with numerous side effects.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Thanks for asking.
Dr. Prakash HM
No, it cannot be taken.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
No, you cannot take any amount of prednisone for long term. Side effects are always going to be present, which include increased risk of infections due to suppressed immunity, altered memory, thinning of skin and mucosa leading onto ulceration and bleeding, mood changes, psychotic behaviour, abnormal glucose metabolism and abnormal response to stress.
The body glucocorticoids production response is suppressed when you take it externally and over long period, even 2-3 months, your body will not respond adequately to any stressors in life.
If necessary, limb elevation overnight with pillows and strapping can be done on a regular basis. As there is no ulceration or bleeding spots on legs, it is not complicated edema and does not require therapy with prednisone with numerous side effects.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Thanks for asking.
Dr. Prakash HM
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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