Contents
- 1 What is Ascites ?
- 2 What are the causes for ascites?
- 3 What tests might I need?
- 4 How is ascites treated?
- 5 OR
- 6 EMERGENCY- CALL- 9111181250 24 hour Emergency and Ambulance services available.
- 7 Will I need surgery for ascites?
- 8 Can ascites be cured?
- 9 How can I control ascites?
- 10 How do I know if I’m at risk for ascites?
- 11 Can ascites come back?
- 12 Vidya hospital and kidney centre
What is Ascites ?
Ascites is when too much fluid builds up in your abdomen (belly). This condition often happens in people who have cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver. A sheet of tissue called the peritoneum covers the abdominal organs, including the stomach, bowels, liver and kidneys. The peritoneum has two layers. Ascites happens when fluid builds up between the two layers.
What are the causes for ascites?
Having a condition that causes cirrhosis puts you at greater risk for developing ascites. These conditions include:
- Non-alcohol associated fatty liver disease.
- Hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis C.
- Alcohol use disorder.
- Congestive heart failure.
- Kidney failure.
- Cancers of the organs in the abdomen and pelvis.
How does cirrhosis cause ascites?
When you have cirrhosis, your liver doesn’t function as it should. The decrease in liver function combines with portal hypertension to cause ascites symptoms. Portal hypertension is high pressure in the portal vein that delivers blood to your liver. The high pressure causes fluid to leak out of your veins into your belly and collect there.
What are the symptoms of ascites?
The main symptoms of ascites are
- A large belly
- Rapid weight gain.
- Swelling in your ankles.
- Shortness of breath.
- Digestive issues, such as bloating, abdominal pain, indigestion and constipation
- Back pain.
- Difficulty sitting.
What tests might I need?
After the initial exam, your provider will recommend other tests to confirm a diagnosis:
Ultrasound or CT scan: These imaging scans show your abdominal area in more detail.
Paracentesis: You’ll get a local anaesthetic before this procedure. Your provider inserts a needle into your abdomen to remove fluid. The fluid is analysed for signs of cancer, infection, portal hypertension and other conditions.
How is ascites treated?
Limiting sodium in your diet is crucial for treating ascites. For people with ascites, recommended sodium intake is less than 2,000 to 4,000 milligrams a day. A dietitian can help create a healthy eating plan for you. You may also need to take diuretics (water pills). These water pills help fluid and sodium leave your body.
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BOOK CONSULTATION WITH FOR ASCITES TREATMENT WITH THE BEST GASTROENTEROLOGIST NOW
OR
EMERGENCY- CALL- 9111181250
24 hour Emergency and Ambulance services available.
Will I need surgery for ascites?
Sometimes, diuretics and a low-sodium diet aren’t enough to improve the ascites. You may need other treatments, including:
Paracentesis: Your provider inserts a needle into your abdomen to remove the fluid. This procedure can remove a large amount of excess fluid.
Trans jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS): This procedure is performed to treat fluid build-up in the abdomen. A wire mesh (stent) is inserted into a vein in your liver. When inflated, the stent forms a channel (shunt) to bypass the liver.
Liver transplant: In cases of severe cirrhosis, when the liver is failing, a liver transplant may be necessary.
Can ascites be cured?
Treatments for ascites can help improve symptoms and reduce complications. In some patients, ascites may resolve with diuretic therapy or with TIPS or liver transplant. In the case of alcohol-associated hepatitis, ascites may resolve with improvements in liver function. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations to stay as healthy as possible.
How can I control ascites?
If you have ascites, these steps can help you control the condition:
Weight checks: Weigh yourself daily. Call your healthcare provider if you gain more than 10 pounds, or more than two pounds per day for three consecutive days.
Limit alcohol: It’s best to avoid alcoholic beverages entirely to reduce your ascites risk.
Limit NSAID use: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Motrin® and Advil®) and aspirin, affect your kidneys. They can cause your body to retain excess water and salt.
Low-salt diet: Stick to a low-sodium diet, consuming no more than 2,000 to 4,000 milligrams per day.
How do I know if I’m at risk for ascites?
If you have cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, hepatitis B or hepatitis C, you may be at higher risk for ascites. Consuming a lot of alcohol can also put you at risk for health conditions such as ascites.
What are complications of ascites?
Abdominal problems: The fluid build-up may lead to pain, discomfort and difficulty breathing. These symptoms can interfere with your ability to eat, walk and do daily activities.
Infection: The fluids can become infected, called spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. You may have fever and stomach pain.
Hepatic hydrothorax, or fluid in the lungs: Abdominal fluid fills the lung, usually on the right side. You may experience shortness of breath, cough, chest discomfort and hypoxemia (lack of oxygen in the blood).
Kidney failure: If cirrhosis worsens, it may lead to kidney failure (hepatorenal syndrome).
Is ascites life-threatening?
Ascites is a sign of liver damage. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications. But with proper treatment and diet changes, you can manage ascites. Your healthcare provider may also talk to you about getting a liver transplant if the damage is severe.
Can ascites come back?
The fluid can continue to build up. You may need to have it drained again. If the fluid builds up quickly, your healthcare provider might suggest treatment with diuretics, trans jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), or liver transplant.
TO BOOK CONSULTATION WITH THE BEST GASTROENTEROLOGIST IN RAIPUR NOW
To get more information about Ascites use the links below
Vidya hospital and kidney centre
Address: Shankar nagar Main road, Raipur(CG)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 9111181250, 07714281198,9827197924