What to do with ascites in late-stage liver cancer? Pay attention to these six points

How to treat ascites in late stage of liver cancer? Ascites in late stage of liver cancer is a typical complication. Once ascites occurs, it often means that liver cirrhosis has entered the late stage. Most patients with ascites who are found and treated early can control their condition, make ascites disappear, and achieve basic recovery. Such patients can live for a long time. What should I do if I have ascites in late stage of liver cancer?

What to do if you have ascites in late stage liver cancer?

1. Choose a low-salt, moderate-protein, low-fat diet

Eat foods rich in vitamins, choose foods that are high in fiber, less spicy, non-irritating and softer. Because patients with cirrhosis have secondary aldosterone increase, reduced urinary sodium excretion, and enhanced sodium and water retention in the distal renal tubules, a high-salt diet further increases blood sodium levels and can induce ascites. At the same time, patients with cirrhosis have impaired protein synthesis and reduced albumin. If they eat a low-protein diet for a long time, hypoproteinemia may be aggravated and ascites may reappear; but if they eat a large amount of high-protein, high-fat diet, it will increase the burden on the liver and cause the condition to worsen. In addition, patients with cirrhosis often experience symptoms of esophageal vein damage or bleeding. Eating irritating and hard foods may cause rupture of the esophageal veins and cause heavy bleeding.

2. You must quit smoking and drinking

The way to prevent ascites caused by cirrhosis is to quit smoking and drinking. This is because the formaldehyde produced by alcohol metabolism is very harmful to the liver. The liver function of patients with cirrhosis has been damaged. If they drink alcohol at this time, it will easily accelerate the progression of the disease and easily develop alcoholic liver.

3. Avoid using drugs that damage the liver

There are more than 200 common drugs that can easily cause liver damage, such as tetracycline, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, etc., which should be banned or used with caution.

4. Prevent infection

Patients with cirrhosis have low immunity and are very susceptible to peritoneal and other infections. Therefore, patients with cirrhosis should avoid contact with infectious people, and once infected, they should be treated early and thoroughly.

5. Prevent and treat complications

Patients with ascites are prone to complications such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, kidney disease, ulcer disease, blood disease, diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance, etc. Therefore, preventing complications is one of the ways to prevent ascites caused by cirrhosis. If complications occur, they should be treated actively to minimize damage to the liver.

6. Seek medical attention promptly

Patients with ascites should go to the hospital in time, cooperate with the doctor's treatment plan, and build up confidence in defeating the disease. Only a complete cure can prevent the occurrence of other complications. Do a good job of prevention and develop good living habits.