When Your Child Is Taking Corticosteroids

Children with cancer often take steroid medications, such as prednisone or dexamethasone, as part of their treatment. Children on steroid therapy usually develop huge appetites that can cause weight gain. They also tend to retain fluid. You can make some diet changes to prevent fluid retention and limit the weight gain.

• It is better to avoid salty foods and foods high in sodium.
• Alternatives to salty foods include foods highly seasoned using spices and herbs.
• High-sodium foods, such as salty tidbits , packaged and tinned foods, dried salted fish, dried preserved fruits and canned soft drinks should be avoided.
• You need to plan meals and snacks that are satisfying but not high in calories to promote weight maintenance.
• Offer your child fresh, nutritious, filling foods, such as fruits and vegetables, homemade soups, fish, non-processed meats, dairy products, rice and breads. The appetite changes and fluid retention caused by steroids is temporary and will go away when the therapy is completed. However, many children will temporarily lose their appetite when the steroids are stopped. Other children, particularly teens, may have difficulty returning to normal weight. Talk to your dietitian about the most sensible ways to help the weight return to normal.