Suggest Treatment For Fluid Retention In The Abdomen And Ankle When Diagnosed With Liver Disease

Posted on Fri, 26 Aug 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 26 Aug 2016 Answered on

Mon, 19 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I have liver disease and sometimes retain excess fluids usually controlled by furosemide, lately my abdomen and right ankle are full of fluids. But it's the fact that only my right foot and ankle are affected. Is there an explanation for this?

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Due to low protein levels

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on Healthcaremagic.

I have gone through your query and understand your concerns. It so happens that the liver manufactures the proteins that help in retaining the water within the blood vessels. If the liver does not function well, it will not manufacture these proteins (albumin) resulting in hypoproteinemia which will lead to the fluid from the blood vessels (vascular compartment) escaping into the extra vascular compartment (tissue space) and would thereby cause the swelling (edema) in dependent areas like the ankle of your feet.

Let me know if you need further assistance.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (13 hours later)

why is only my right ankle involved and not the left ankle

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Clinical correlation needed

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. Now that is really hard question to answer sitting at a distance. A proper clinical evaluation is required for this. I would insist you to visit your doctor for the same.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar