I can relate to the belly swelling....as soon as i take the meds in the mornings or during the day, my stomach swells...and I started to purchase one size up two months ago and now I am purchasing two sizes up...i had ascites before, but it wasn't a lot so I was told it will go away in due time. And i have issues with the joining of my clothes touching or squeezing onto my skin, because it irritates my skin and I will start scratching.
July 12
Belly swelling that worsens throughout the day is something many people with lupus notice, and you're definitely not alone in this! It can feel like going up a clothing size by dinnertime, which is both uncomfortable and frustrating.
There are a few lupus-related reasons this might be happening:
- Fluid retention — Lupus Show Full Answer
Belly swelling that worsens throughout the day is something many people with lupus notice, and you're definitely not alone in this! It can feel like going up a clothing size by dinnertime, which is both uncomfortable and frustrating.
There are a few lupus-related reasons this might be happening:
- Fluid retention — Lupus itself can cause the body to hold onto excess fluid, leading to swelling that builds up over the course of the day
- Medication side effects — Prednisone is a common culprit, as it increases appetite and causes water retention
- Lupus flares — Inflammation from lupus can cause tissue swelling and discomfort
- Lupus nephritis — When the kidneys are affected by lupus, fluid retention and swelling can occur One MyLupusTeam member described feeling like a balloon on prednisone, saying it was very uncomfortable and felt like they couldn't breathe or fit into their clothes — so that experience really resonates with what you're describing.
Some things that may help manage swelling include:
- Reducing sodium intake — Salt causes the body to hold onto fluid
- Avoiding added sugar — Especially important if taking prednisone
- Elevating your feet — Helps drain excess fluid temporarily
- Regular exercise — Improves circulation
It's worth mentioning this to your doctor, especially if the swelling is getting worse over time, as they can help identify the underlying cause and adjust your treatment if needed.
July 12
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