Coughing and varices

[eileenet49]

Hi

I'm back again.

I have Cirrhosis and small amount of oesophageal varices. I also have COPD so tend to cough quite a lot, mostly at night.

I'm finding lately that my coughing has got a lot worse. Could this be caused by the varices? I don't actually think my COPD has worsened as my breathing is about the same as it was before the Cirrhosis diagnosis back in May.

Also, does anyone know if coughing is likely to cause problems with the varices?

Probably just worrying about nothing but just wondered if anybody had any experience of these problems.

Thank you

Eileen

[AyrshireK]

Night time coughing is often related to acid reflux and/or post nasal drip. I have this frequently (I don't have liver issues) and I was prescribed Omeprazole to help with it. If you arn't already on a PPI to protect you oesophagus from acid reflux it might be worth checking with your GP or consultant.

I take it you have done a lateral flow test to rule out covid as the cause of increased coughing.

Not sure if coughing is likely to place any additional stress in your varices. Case of watching and making sure you've no sign of bleeding (black tarry stools or coughing/vomiting blood).

Katie

[eileenet49 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you Katie.I've been on Lanzoprazole for years now.

Definitely not Covid.

I had a chest xray about 5months ago which was all clear.

It's definitely more than usual. I was more concerned about straining the varices.

I had 6 month full bloods done on the 3rd, waiting results to see how things are going.

6 month ultra sound should be coming up soon.

Will keep an eye out for signs of bleeding. My next gastroscopy wount be till about May.

Eileen x

[Fibro2021]

Hi. Usually varices don't cause coughing and it is unlikely that coughing can affect varices. The hepatopulmonary syndrome that occurs with cirrhosis can cause cough and shortness of breath. Usually in this condition, the symptoms are worse in the upright position of the body and decrease or disappear when lying down.

[eileenet49 in reply to Fibro2021]

Thank you.Just being a bit overcautious I expect.

Doesn't sound like hepatopulmonary syndrome as it's worse when laying down, never heard of this though. So many things I dont know.

😉.

[YvonneM60 in reply to eileenet49]

Varacies don't cause coughing. I have ostophagus varacies & had a life threatening bleed last year . I now have banding ,also beetablockers to reduce the pressure in my blood . I don't have chirrosis ,I have chronic pancreatitis with blocked Bile ducts . I was pre warned by my specialist that , constipation can cause pressure and to be aware of any coughing fits, that can also be dangerous . It's the pressure ,however the beetablockers do a good job on keeping the pressure down .Touch wood I've had no more episodes, small one at Christmas!

Banding is keeping me well .

If your worried be cautious . Go see your GP .. x Good Luck x