Why do steroids make you swell up and is there anything that can be done to lessen this?

[CambridgeBlue]

My poor DM has been put on steroids for a horrible condition that could affect her sight. She had them some years ago and they made her whole face blow up like a football - it was really uncomfortable and made her feel very self-conscious. We can see signs of this starting again and I wondered if anyone had any advice about what causes it and anything that can be done to help - I know she could ask her doctor but he is naturally more concerned about the actual condition and the fact that she could lose her sight than what she looks like.

Steroid bloat is horrible. Is she on a very high dose? I get very bloated on steroids and was advised to drink lots of water and drastically reduce my salt intake. Unfortunately, steroids made me crave salt, so it was a nightmare trying to control the bloat but I did manage to get it under control. Although, not to sound too negative but steroids are known for causing a 'moon face' which will go away once off steroids.

I don't think it's especially high but may increase if her condition gets worse :( I know having a sight-threatening illness is awful in itself but this makes it so much worse - I was hoping there might be something to counteract it since the last time she was on them.

Don't dismiss cutting salt intake and drinking more as something to control it .
Though I know it's easier said than done .

Thanks, I'll mention this - every little helps as Tesco would say!

It might very well help but I just wanted to be honest and say it is common, not permanent and not to be too disheartened if it doesn't completely go away. Sorry, didn't mean to upset you! Before you suggest drinking lots, might be worth checking with her doctor because over-hydration can cause problems if people are on certain medications or have certain other health conditions.