Recently, there was a death of an aged person (> 85 years) in our family. He was in the hospital on two occasions within a month before the death. He had a history of cellulitis to lower legs, with one leg is more severe than the other. Otherwise, perfectly healthy. After observing fluid bleeding from one lower leg through a node, swelling of feet, and slight fever, he was taken to the hospital and was admitted for investigations and treatment. With bed rest and treatment, the swelling has come down and was taken back home with prescribed bed rest and medication for home treatment. Doctors have informed that water from the abdomen may lead to chest and heart complications. He was alright, only that he was unable to sit for long periods and started sleeping for longer hours. After about two weeks, with the complaint of chest pain, he was again admitted. This time he experienced breathing problems and could not take food. Blood pressure was controlled with medicine. Food was given through a tube inserted. After ten days in the hospital, he slipped to unconsciousness, had heavy and noisy breathing. And, died within 24 hours of going into unconscious state.
The reason understood was that the swelling of the abdomen is because of cirrhosis which was caused in turn by hepatitis C. However due to age factor, transplantation of the liver could not be thought off.
Some useful links to the above observations are given below.
