MUM WITH ASCITIES

[Toffegirl]

hi there

Hope everyone is ok

My mum has ESLD and the past couple of times she has been for a drain she has got a really bad cough. It’s not covid as tested. Is this related to the ascities???? Is the fluid going to her lungs

[Hidden]

Hi,

If your mum has a very bad cough and ESLD it really would be a good idea for a doctor to assess her as soon as possible. If she has a chest infection it may need treatment.

Good luck.

[Toffegirl in reply to Hidden]

Hi

Thanks for the reply, infection has been ruled out. But she is due a drain soon so was wondering if it was related??

[Fibro2021 in reply to Toffegirl]

Hello.

If this is due only to drain then removing a large amount of fluid immediatly can cause a temporary cough.

Cough and dyspnea if present, with ESLD may be associated with the development of hepato-pulmonary syndrome, which is due to shunting of blood in the lungs if other possible causes are excluded. Usually, cough and dyspnea in this case are worse in an upright position and are reduced by lying down. The accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity around the lungs is also possible with cirrhosis. But these conditions do not depend on drain as a rule. In any case, it will be helpful to consult a doctor.

[ciroze_05]

hi there, i have a bad cough too before, like it wakes u up everytime and iso itchy and everytime i cough my belly hurts too because of i have ascites too. i didnt go to the doctor, i just drank water and put some vicks on my throat and now its gone, same with my ascites

[Hidden]

Hi, as others have said, mum needs to be assessed by a doctor as there is a risk of chest infection or pneumonia.

Another possibility for the coughing, is that before a drain, there could be a degree of micro collapse of the small airways at the bases of the lung, if there is a substantial amount of fluid present. As mum moves and changes position, some of these airways may pop open, causing a flow of air to rush in and any mucus that’s been sat trapped there, may gradually drain into the larger airways where the cough reflex may be triggered. This could be in any position but you may find it’s more so when lying down and on one side more than another. This is increased if she isn’t very mobile. These small areas of decreased volume can also lead to chest infections and then larger areas of decreased volume.

After a drain, this could also happen as more airways suddenly have the space to open up.

I hope she’s ok.

[Readlots]

My Mum had this too, I think it’s quite common. Lots of good advice from others. Honey and lemon seemed to sooth Mum’s cough.

[Lam1e]

Ascites is awful and very uncomfortable. Pre Liver Transplant I was having drains regularly. I don’t remember having a cough, but your mum had my sympathy 🙏💜

[Toffegirl in reply to Lam1e]

Thank you. And thanks for all your messages. She is now under St lukes so hopefully she will get the right care.