Introduction:
A buildup of fluid in the abdomen is known as ascites. It frequently results from cirrhosis. If anyone has cirrhosis and notices they are gaining weight quickly, they should talk to the doctor. Treatment options, which typically include a diet low in salt, will be discussed.
What Are Ascites?
Accumulation of excess fluid builds up in the belly. People have ascites. People with cirrhosis (liver scarring) are more likely to develop this condition. The stomach, bowels, liver, and kidneys are covered by a sheet of tissue known as the peritoneum. There are two layers of the peritoneum. Fluid builds up between the two layers, causing ascites.
What Are Ascites Risk Factors?
People are more likely to develop ascites if they have a cirrhosis-causing disease. These circumstances include:
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Fatty liver disease is caused by non-alcohol consumption.
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Alcohol abuse disorder, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
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Hepatitis A virus.
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Hemochromatosis, Wilson disease, and alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency are all genetic liver disorders.
The following conditions can also cause ascites:
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Heart failure with excess fluid.
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Kidney disappointment.
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Cancers of the pelvic and abdominal organs.
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Infections.
How Widespread Are Ascites?
In healthy people, fluid buildup is rare. Instead, it's usually brought on by cirrhosis or another disease. The most common cirrhosis complication is ascites. Roughly 80 % of cases of ascites are caused by cirrhosis.
What Causes Ascites?
Cirrhosis, also known as liver scarring, is a common cause of ascites. When blood pressure in the portal vein (the blood vessel that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver) is too high, cirrhotic ascites occur. Kidney function deteriorates, and abdominal fluid builds up as pressure rises. Ascites result from the liver's inability to control abdominal fluid when forced into the abdominal cavity.
Some cancers can also cause ascites. Ascites are a protein-rich fluid that can develop from tumor cells in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen that covers the abdominal organs) in peritoneal cancer. The volume of blood in the arteries may decrease heart or kidney failure. This causes alterations in various body systems, resulting in sodium and water retention and constriction of the kidneys' blood vessels. Ascites can also form from these.
What Are the Symptoms of Ascites?
The principal side effects of ascites are a huge midsection and fast weight gain. Additional signs include:
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Ankles are becoming swollen.
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Windedness.
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Stomach-related issues include swelling, stomach torment, loss of craving, heartburn, and clogging.
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Back pain.
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Having trouble sitting.
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Fatigue.
How to Diagnose Ascites?
Multiple steps are required to diagnose ascites. The doctor will first conduct a thorough abdominal examination and check for swelling in the abdomen. They will probably look for fluid using imaging or another kind of testing. Some of the tests are listed below:
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Ultrasound.
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CT Scan (computed tomography).
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MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
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Blood tests.
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Laparoscopy.
What Are the Treatments for Ascites?
The cause of ascites will determine the course of treatment. The doctor will treat the underlying cause of the infection and prescribe additional treatment to alleviate symptoms if there is a bacterial or viral infection.
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Diuretics: Most people with ascites respond well to diuretics, commonly used to treat the condition. These medications lessen the pressure in the veins surrounding the liver by increasing the amount of salt and water that leave your body. The doctor may want to monitor the blood chemistry while the patient is on diuretics. If the patient drinks alcohol, they probably need to reduce salt and alcohol consumption.
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Paracentesis: A doctor removes excess fluid from your abdomen with a long, thin needle during this procedure. The needle is inserted into the abdominal cavity through the skin. If diuretics are not helpful, the patient might need this.
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Surgery: A permanent tube known as a shunt may sometimes be implanted in the body. It reduces the need for regular drainage by rerouting blood flow around the liver. If diuretics don't work, a shunt might be a good option. In case of severe liver disease and ascites do not respond to treatment, the doctor may recommend a liver transplant. The patient may also require surgery if ascites are caused by heart failure.
How to Prevent Developing Ascites?
100 % prevention of ascites or their causes is not always possible. However, there are ways to lower the risk of certain conditions, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, heart disease, and peritoneal infections. Following guidelines for preventing hepatitis, such as
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Asking the doctor about the hepatitis B vaccine.
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Using a condom during sex reduces the risk of infection.
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Limiting alcohol use, eating a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in added fats and salt, and consuming whole foods rather than highly processed foods.
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Managing weight.
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Getting regular exercise.
Take precautions against eating raw or undercooked meat, shellfish, or fish to lower the infection risk, limit the amount of salt in the diet, limit the intake of fat and protein, and avoid alcohol. The doctor can advise on the best action for the particular situation.
What Is the Complication of Ascites?
Abdominal pain pleural effusion, also known as ‘water on the lung,’ can make it hard to breathe hernias like inguinal hernias, bacterial infections like spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), hepatorenal syndrome, which is a rare form of progressive kidney failure.
When to Consult With a Doctor?
Depending on the cause of ascites, symptoms can appear gradually or abruptly. Although they do not always indicate an emergency, the following symptoms should prompt the patient to consult the physician:
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Ascites symptoms include a swollen or distended abdomen.
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Rapid weight gain.
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Difficulty breathing while lying down.
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Decreased appetite.
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Abdominal pain.
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Bloating, nausea, and heartburn.
Conclusion
People with cirrhosis are more likely to develop ascites, but peritonitis, heart disease, and hepatitis are also possible causes. The fundamental side effects are expanding in the stomach region that does not disappear. Although the swelling may not be painful, it may be uncomfortable and make breathing difficult. If anyone experiences symptoms indicating ascites, they should see a doctor. They will conduct tests to determine the underlying cause and provide the appropriate treatment. Treatment usually works if a short-term illness like acute hepatitis causes ascites. However, the patient may require long-term medical assistance if cirrhosis is the underlying cause.
