Ascites

My husband was diagnosed with Cirrhosis and Ascites three months ago.  His abdomen is quite extended, his ankles and feet are swollen.  He has a liquid cough and gagging.  It is like he is drowning in his own retained fluid.  He is short of breath and sometimes has trouble talking. He is on a low sodium diet but he is not improving.
His doctor insists that all he needs to do is refrain from drinking alcohol and be on a low sodium diet and everything will be alright. He will not even consider draining the fluid and prescribing a diuretic.
We need to know what your opinion is regarding draining the fluid and the use of a diuretic. Also, should we be restricting his fluids such as juice and water?  
His doctor is GP.  Should we request a second opinion from a specialist in Gastroenterology?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I would strongly consider a GI referral.  If there are problems breathing from the girth of the retained fluid, then removing it needs to be considered via draining or a diuretic, despite your husband's protests.  These options definitely needs to be discussed with a GI referral.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[surgeon]

I'd say you absolutley need to get another opinion, and a gastroenterologist is the right choice. It's certainly true that abstaining from all alcohol is vital, but your description strongly suggests more needs to be done!!

[dadson]

A related discussion, Ascites - use a diuretic and get drained was started.