Definition
Definition
Ascites is the accumulation of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity.
AscitesCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
|
Causes
Causes
Ascites can be caused by:
-
High blood pressure in the portal venous system, which can be caused by:
- Liver damage called cirrhosis (most common cause)
- Heart failure
- Blockage of the large vein in the abdomen called the vena cava
- Malnutrition or other conditions leading to low amounts of protein in the blood
- Certain cancers
- Infections, such as certain bacteria and parasites or tuberculosis that can invade the abdomen
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney disease
- Abdominal leakage of lymph fluid
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your chance of ascites include having any of the conditions above.
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Increased abdominal circumference
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain and/or distention
- Pain
on
the side
of the
abdomen
- Rapid weight gain
- Difficulty breathing while lying flat
- Decreased appetite
- Heartburn
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests to determine cause may include:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Liver biopsy
- Abdominal paracentesis
- Laparoscopy
Imaging tests look for amount and distribution of fluid, and strctures inside abdomen. These may include:
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Options include:
Dietary Changes
- Sodium restriction—Limiting salt intake to 2,000 mg per day or less is often recommended to reduce or delay fluid build-up. More extreme restrictions in salt intake do not further improve outcomes.
- Fluid restriction—if sodium level is too low.
- Alcohol restriction—Ascites commonly occurs in people who have liver disease. Consuming excess alcohol can further impair liver function. Stopping alcohol use may limit the progression of ascites.
Diuretics
Diuretic medications are drugs that cause the kidneys to excrete more sodium and water in the urine. These medications are often recommended as the treatment of choice for ascites, along with sodium restriction.
Paracentesis
Ascites can be treated by inserting a hollow needle into the abdomen and removing excess fluid through the needle.
Surgery
If the other treatments are not effective and the ascites keep coming back, surgery can be done to divert blood away from the liver.
If this is not successful, a liver transplant may be necessary.
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce the chance of ascites:
- Drink alcohol only in moderation. This means no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.
- Practice safe sex to avoid hepatitis.
- Do not share IV needles.
- Get vaccinated for hepatitis B.
- If you are taking medications that can damage your liver, follow your doctor’s instructions closely.
RESOURCES:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases http://www.niddk.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/alcohol
Updated October 4, 2011. Accessed June 25, 2013.
Ascites. DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated June 13, 2014. Accessed June 16, 2014.
Cirrhosis. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at:
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/liver-disease/cirrhosis/Pages/facts.aspx
Updated February 21, 2013. Accessed June 25, 2013.
Runyon BA. Care of patients with ascites. N Engl J Med. 1994;330(5):337-342.
Last Updated: 5/16/2014