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Does Steriods For Treating Cold Increase BP?

Posted on Fri, 16 Jan 2015

Question: I'm taking a steriod and an antibiotic to get over a bad cold. After two days, it is improving my cold symptoms but my blood pressure is usually120/70 and it is up to 158/92. Should I stop the steriod, that is actually helping me?

I am 5'3" and 120 pounds, exercise regularly and am very fit. Have not had a cold this bad in 10+ years. I take verapamil 200mg for a heart murmur.

Answered by Dr. Praveen (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I steroid prescribed by your doctor?

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for your query.

I understand that you have been on steroid only since 2 days.I would not recommend steroid for cold whoever severe it might be.
Hence, I would like to know if the steroid was prescribed by your doctor.If yes for how long?
Are you having running nose, sore throat?
What is the name of the steroid?Dose?Strength?
What are the other medications that you have been taking apart from verapamil and steroid?

Await your reply soon.

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

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (14 hours later)

thank you. My blood pressure has lowered to 102/72 for the last 12 hours and I feel better. I was prescribed Cefdinir 300mg 2 x day on 12/27. Throat was so swollen, it was hard on the outside and I had trouble swallowing. On 12/29 I went back to doctor because I was unable to rest due to cough and very sore throat. Got Prednisone 10 mg 3 pills 2xday. and Benzonatate for cough. On day 2 of the prednisone, I reduced it to 2 pills 2xday. Now my throat is much less sore and my glands are much less swollen, but the cough is very croupy.
Could the prednisone cause the change in blood pressure? Somehow this is working for me.

Answered by Dr. Praveen (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Prednisone is indeed right choice for severe infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for writing me back and sharing the information.

True steroid therapy shoots blood pressure.But I would also suspect some increase in pressures due to stress(throat pain/infection) and also your anxiety.

I agree with your physician who has given Prednisone due to the severity of throat infection.Since you have completed the 2 day steroid therapy & blood pressures have reverted to normal there is no reason to worry.Pressures revert after steroid exposure is removed.

Croupy cough is due to local irritation.Few tips-
a. Have warm water(avoid cold food/drink).
b. Voice rest.
c. Cough lozenges soothens your throat.
d. Continue antibiotics and benzonatate-which is a cough suppressant.

Get well soon.Wish you a happy & prosperous new year.

Regards
Praveen

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