Yes, oral thrush is a real concern for people with lupus who take steroids. Steroids can suppress the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections — including fungal ones like oral thrush.
Beyond oral thrush, other common side effects of steroids include:
- Weight gain and increased appetite
- Stomach Show Full Answer
Yes, oral thrush is a real concern for people with lupus who take steroids. Steroids can suppress the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections — including fungal ones like oral thrush.
Beyond oral thrush, other common side effects of steroids include:
- Weight gain and increased appetite
- Stomach pain
- Mood changes
- Fluid retention and swelling
- "Moon face" (facial puffiness)
- Increased sweating
- Skin thinning and acne
- Sleep problems With longer-term steroid use, the risks can become more serious. These can include:
- Weakened bones (osteoporosis)
- Higher risk of infections
- Eye problems like cataracts or glaucoma
- Cardiovascular concerns like high blood pressure
- Blood sugar changes
It's really important never to stop steroids suddenly without talking to a doctor first, as this can cause serious complications.
If oral thrush or any other side effects are becoming a problem, it's worth having an open conversation with a doctor — there may be ways to adjust treatment to help manage these issues.
May 26
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