That isn't exactly what he had been thinking but it is a reasonable option, and likely to have more impact if the man is as superstitious and anxious as he appears. So he decides they may as well go with it.

"Muscle spasms, involuntary twitching of the limbs, stomach pains, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, fatigue, nausea, nosebleeds and bleeding of the gums, tooth decay, excessive urination, the swollen nature of his stomach could also be due to his liver failing."