Throat infection

[Susanmod]

I'm down to 11mg of steroids with gca. I started on 40 in April. Currently have a sore throat for two days and my scalp starting to feel tender. Hope to see gp tomorrow. Any suggestions on increasing steroids or should I wait to see if I need antibiotics. My husband has sore throat too so I think it is an infection.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi susanmod,

As both you and your husband have sore throats, then probably not too much to worry about, and probably best to see GP, if you can, before you increase Pred.

However, little bit concerned about scalp tenderness, think you need to discuss that with GP. It may not be anything too sinister, but your reduction from 40mg to 11mg within six months is quite quick. Have you had any other symptoms that may be connected to GCA?

You obviously don't want to increase Pred unnessecarily, but if it is the beginning of a flare, you don't want it to get out of hand. Unfortunately, having a sore throat just throws another problem into the mix, and will probably increase your ESR readings, so they will be more unreliable than normal.

Sorry, probably given you more questions than answers, but definitely get in to see GP soonest.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

That is a very fast reduction from 40 to 11mg but otherwise I'd agree with all DL said.

A study done a couple of years ago showed there was still evidence of inflammation in GCA and other vasculitides even after 6 months of high dose pred - that means over 20mg. You have obviously got to well below 20mg in well under 6 months - so this could be a flare and the scalp tenderness does suggest that. The fact you probably have an infection can also make the GCA symptoms flare a bit, that is very common.