How should pulmonary effusion in liver cirrhosis be treated?
Disease description:
A colleague has been diagnosed with cirrhosis and pulmonary effusion. I would like to inquire about the treatment options for cirrhosis with pulmonary effusion.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Most cases of ascites due to cirrhosis can be resolved with diuretics. When ascites is massive or poorly responsive to diuretics, paracentesis and ascitic fluid drainage become necessary procedures, rapidly relieving symptoms by directly removing fluid from the abdominal cavity. For certain refractory cases of ascites, anti-infective therapy may be used; administering antibiotics or other antimicrobial agents helps control or eliminate infections caused by pathogens such as bacteria or viruses, thereby promoting resolution of the ascites. In patients with refractory ascites, more complex treatments may be required, such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). This procedure quickly reduces portal venous pressure and alleviates ascites caused by portal hypertension. It is essential to identify and treat the underlying causes of ascites. Patients experiencing such symptoms should seek timely medical intervention.
