1 reply to this topic

[Francis V. Adams]

Hi Serra:

That's a good question and a common problem.

Your MD is right since some medications definitely promote flushing or facial redness and prednisone is high on the list. The higher the dosage the more striking the effect. Beta-blockers which are used for blood pressure, heart irregularities also produce flushing. Hormone replacement can do it too.

There are some medical conditions that could also be responsible. The most common is an elevation in blood pressure. BP naturally increases with exercise or exertion so this is quite common. It would help to know your blood pressure when this happens so you might want to check this during the episode.

My guess is that it is a combination of the steroids and blood pressure. As a general rule, your MD will try to bring you to the lowest steroid dose that is effective and he may also treat your BP if it is elevated.

It's been a pleasure being with you. Your questions have been great and challenging. I hope to be back,

Best wishes,

Dr. Adams

 Serra, on Nov 29 2007, 11:30 PM, said:

Trudy asked about the gray color appearing on her face. My face gets quite red sometimes while walking and doing things and, once in a while, just while sitting. My doctor tells me prednisone causes this but it seems to be more related to movement, increased heart rate maybe? Can you shed some light on this for me please as to why my face flames red all of a sudden? It never did this before COPD.
Thank you,
Serra