HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Constipation In A Person With Liver Cirrhosis?

What causes constipation in patients with cirrhosis ? Is it lack of enzymes produced by liver? Patients are using high doses of Lactulose, because of lack of producing glycogen? They still have problems with elimination. What else they can use on the top of 40ml 3xd?
Mon, 8 Jun 2015
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi
Welcome to HCM.
I appreciate your concern for the constipation while having liver cirrhosis.

The exact cause of constipation in a patient with liver cirrhosis is unknown.
It appears to be due to prolonged bed rest, decreased food intake, dehydration, ascites, etc.

It is not due to lack of the enzymes produced by the liver.

In patients with liver cirrhosis, Lactulose is given to prevent the production and absorption (in the intestines) of toxins ( like ammonia) into the blood and subsequently the brain thus preventing brain damage.
These patients can also be given antibiotics like Rifaximin to kill the gut bacteria responsible for producing the toxins.

Besides these patients should take water pills like Spironolactone, Propranolol, etc to prevent the complications like ascites and portal hypertension.

Hope this answers your query.

Rate this answer, if you are convinced.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician 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]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Constipation In A Person With Liver Cirrhosis?

Hi Welcome to HCM. I appreciate your concern for the constipation while having liver cirrhosis. The exact cause of constipation in a patient with liver cirrhosis is unknown. It appears to be due to prolonged bed rest, decreased food intake, dehydration, ascites, etc. It is not due to lack of the enzymes produced by the liver. In patients with liver cirrhosis, Lactulose is given to prevent the production and absorption (in the intestines) of toxins ( like ammonia) into the blood and subsequently the brain thus preventing brain damage. These patients can also be given antibiotics like Rifaximin to kill the gut bacteria responsible for producing the toxins. Besides these patients should take water pills like Spironolactone, Propranolol, etc to prevent the complications like ascites and portal hypertension. Hope this answers your query. Rate this answer, if you are convinced.