Cirrhosis Support Group
Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease, most commonly caused by alcoholism and hepatitis C. Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor quality of life, increased risk of infections, and a poor long term outcome. Liver damage from cirrhosis cannot be reversed, but treatment can stop or delay further progression and...
My father was diagnosed with cirrhosis in March 2010. Since then, he is being drained every 2 weeks, has no appetite(and when he does, cheats and eats too much sodium). He doesn't drink at all anymore, but he has the worst cough. Is this caused from the fluid buildup? Even after he is drained (yesterday), he is coughing away, and sucking down cough drops like they are candy. I told him to eliminate the sodium so he is drained less, but what is with the cough?
Thank you!
Thank you!
Assuming this is not the case with your father, he may just have a cough? Does he smoke??
Because of the nature of the disease, cirrhosis leads to many ailments due to the compromise of the immune system. People with cirrhosis should always try to keep away from anyone who appears unwell (esp children!).
If he was a drinker, and is now on fluid restriction (as he should be) he may be just missing the feeling of liquid going down his throat and is using the cough sweets to produce more saliva??
Try getting him to eat fruit instead, this will hydrate him, give him nutrition and boost his vitamin C.
Sorry I can't be more helpful.....
Craig
If he was a heavy drinker he may be having withdrawal symptoms and is using the sugar in the cough sweets to satisfy his craving. Sugar becomes a substitute for many people who are withdrawing from smoking and drinking.......hence ex-smokers tend to put on weight really fast.
Craig
Thoracentesis: If the effusion is large, your doctor may take more fluid than she needs for testing, just to ease your symptoms.