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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Ascites
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Ascites
by hollyhock123, Jan 21, 2005 12:00AM
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?
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?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jan 23, 2005 12:00AM
, Jan 23, 2005 12:00AM
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
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
Member Comments (1)
by surgeon, Jan 21, 2005 12:00AM
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!!
by dadson, Mar 04, 2008 05:07PM
A related discussion, Ascites - use a diuretic and get drained was started.
