Hi,I am Dr. Subhankar Chakraborty (Gastroenterologist). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Diagnosed With Cirrhosis, Sleeplessness, Ammonia Levels Abnormal. What Can Be Done?
Hello I have a sister who was diagnosed with cirrhosis, was hospitalized for over 2 months. was doing well and all of a sudden she has gotten out of control, crazy like, not sleeping for days, running around like a crazy person. Know one can say anything without her being defensive. We don't know what to do? Is it her meds? She has had some problems with her ammonia level. How can we help her and what should we do? We are desperate. Can you help me understand what could be wrong and what I should do?
Hello! Thanks for putting your query in HCM. I am a Gastroenterologist (DM).
The symptoms your sister is having, along with increased ammonia levels suggest that she is having hepatic encephalopathy (HE).
For treatment of HE you should know the factors that leads to HE in stable patient of cirrhosis like overuse of diuretics like lasix or spironolactone if she is on them, Gastrointestinal bleed, low potassium levels, medications like benzodiazepine, dehydration, low sodium levels, infection, constipation and diarrhoea.
Treatment is correction of the precipitating factor
I will like to advise that you should visit a gastroenterologist before the thing worsen.
I hope I have answered your query and this will help you. Remain in touch
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
Diagnosed With Cirrhosis, Sleeplessness, Ammonia Levels Abnormal. What Can Be Done?
Hello! Thanks for putting your query in HCM. I am a Gastroenterologist (DM). The symptoms your sister is having, along with increased ammonia levels suggest that she is having hepatic encephalopathy (HE). For treatment of HE you should know the factors that leads to HE in stable patient of cirrhosis like overuse of diuretics like lasix or spironolactone if she is on them, Gastrointestinal bleed, low potassium levels, medications like benzodiazepine, dehydration, low sodium levels, infection, constipation and diarrhoea. Treatment is correction of the precipitating factor I will like to advise that you should visit a gastroenterologist before the thing worsen. I hope I have answered your query and this will help you. Remain in touch