Can liver cirrhosis-related pleural effusion be cured?
Disease description:
One of my colleagues has been diagnosed with hepatic hydrothorax due to cirrhosis. I'm very concerned about him and would like to know whether hepatic hydrothorax can be cured.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Cirrhotic hydrothorax usually cannot be completely cured, but its progression and symptoms can be controlled through various treatment approaches. The treatment of cirrhotic hydrothorax requires individualized assessment and may involve methods such as diuretics, albumin infusion, or pleural effusion drainage. Among these, diuretics such as furosemide and spironolactone help reduce fluid accumulation, while albumin infusion can increase plasma oncotic pressure and decrease fluid leakage. If the volume of accumulated fluid is large or accompanied by significant symptoms such as chest tightness and dyspnea, closed thoracic drainage may be considered to remove the pleural fluid and relieve symptoms. However, it should be noted that these treatments mainly aim to control the condition rather than address its root cause. The management of cirrhotic hydrothorax should also actively treat the underlying disease—liver cirrhosis—to eliminate the cause and prevent recurrence. At the same time, patients should ensure adequate rest, avoid excessive fatigue, adjust their diet, and reduce sodium intake to promote recovery.
