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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Ascities Fluid Travel To The Lungs?

My mother in law is 95, she fell and had a severe brain bleed with her brain stem shifting to the right. She is in a rehab facility right now. One morning we went to see her and she looked like she put 50 pounds on overnight in her abdomen. We were told it is ascities. She also has it in the top of her legs. We are wondering if the fluid will travel up to her lungs because we have her on comfort measures only. If it does travel how long do you think that we may have with her?
Thu, 14 Aug 2014
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello
Thanks for asking question
This is Dr Adil Ramzan
Your mother in law's age is 95 that itself is an indicator that she hasn't have much time, and now she also suffered a major injury that has involved her brain stem, the vital point that connect the brain with the rest of the body. If brain stem die, nothing can be done and old age won't allow the damage to heal itself.

Moreover, collection of fluid in abdomen may occur due to number of reasons, but whatever the reason is, it indicates that unfortunately the major organs of your mother in law are failing.

And yes, if fluid can collect in the abdomen and make ascites. It may also collect in the lungs. Ascites occurs when fluid leaks from blood vessels due to some problem in blood composition. If fluid leakage from vessels can occur in abdomen then it may also occur in the lungs.

Unfortunately, It's hard for me to say that, your mother in law has little time.
I wish her well.
May God bless her.
Regards.
Dr Adil
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Can Ascities Fluid Travel To The Lungs?

Hello Thanks for asking question This is Dr Adil Ramzan Your mother in law s age is 95 that itself is an indicator that she hasn t have much time, and now she also suffered a major injury that has involved her brain stem, the vital point that connect the brain with the rest of the body. If brain stem die, nothing can be done and old age won t allow the damage to heal itself. Moreover, collection of fluid in abdomen may occur due to number of reasons, but whatever the reason is, it indicates that unfortunately the major organs of your mother in law are failing. And yes, if fluid can collect in the abdomen and make ascites. It may also collect in the lungs. Ascites occurs when fluid leaks from blood vessels due to some problem in blood composition. If fluid leakage from vessels can occur in abdomen then it may also occur in the lungs. Unfortunately, It s hard for me to say that, your mother in law has little time. I wish her well. May God bless her. Regards. Dr Adil