Ascites

Ascites is a condition that occurs typically in patients who have a progressive form of liver disease that has reached its later stages.  Ascites is the build up of fluids within the abdomen - specifically the peritoneal cavity - that causes swelling of the abdomen or the stomach.

While cirrhosis of the liver is the most common cause of this condition, other causes can include cancer, infections, pancreatitis, heart or kidney failure and tuberculosis. Ascites is a serious medical condition as the survival rate for patients who acquire this condition is only thirty to forty percent after five years of its development. 

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Ascites 

When the condition of ascites is mild or in its beginning stages, there are typically no noticeable symptoms. In more severe cases where the fluids have built up excessively in the abdomen, an individual will experience a rapid gain in weight and swelling of the abdomen that causes pain and discomfort.

Some individuals may also experience swelling in the lower extremities - particularly the ankles. The swelling of the abdomen can also cause pressure on the stomach and the lungs that will result in a loss of appetite and shortness of breath. 

Ascites is typically diagnosed during a physical examination that reveals the swelling of the abdomen and small amount of fluid may be extracted for a laboratory test. This laboratory test can aid in determining the cause based upon the substances that are contained within the fluid. 

Complications and Treatment of Ascites 

When the build up of abdominal fluid becomes severe, complications can arise that include limited mobility and the inability to eat an appropriate amount of food which will interfere with everyday normal functioning. A serious complication that can also occur with excess fluid in the abdomen is called "SBP" or "spontaneous bacterial peritonitis" which is an infection that causes nausea, abdominal pain and tenderness.

This condition can be very serious if left untreated and cause an infection to occur within the bloodstream, kidney failure, and mental disorientation or confusion. This condition is typically treated with antibiotics that are given intravenously, however, even after eliminating this infection long term treatment will be required in order to prevent its reoccurrence. 

Inguinal (groin) and umbilical (the area of the navel) hernias can also develop with ascites and cause abdominal pain that can become severe in some patients if the tissues or intestines become twisted or pinched  and will require a surgical procedure. "Hepatic hydrothorax" is also a serious complication that can occur and is the build up of fluids within the chest or cavities of the lung typically affecting the right side.

The primary forms of treatment for ascites are to significantly reduce the salt intake as well as taking diuretics (water pills) that are medications which will cause more water to be excreted by the kidneys into the urine.  If you have the condition of ascites and develop a fever or any unusual abdominal pain, it is essential that you immediately contact your physician or health care provider.