Ascites - Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

By Author: PACE
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Ascites definition

Ascites is also defined as the fluid build-up in the space between the lining of the abdomen and abdominal organs.

Ascites is a medical condition characterized by excess abdominal fluid accumulation. This excess fluid buildup between the two layers of the peritoneum (peritoneal cavity of the abdomen) leads to abdominal swelling or distension.

Ascites is usually seen in people suffering with advanced liver disease, liver cirrhosis (permanent scarring of the liver). Transitioning from compensated to decompensated cirrhosis is indicated by the development of ascites.

Ascites is usually seen in people suffering with advanced liver disease, liver cirrhosis (permanent scarring of the liver). Transitioning from compensated to decompensated cirrhosis is indicated by the development of ascites.

Causes of Ascites

The accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, or ascites, can indicate a few underlying medical disorders, even though it can seriously impair daily life. The exact cause of ascites ...
... lays a crucial role in getting proper treatment. The key mechanisms that could cause ascites are as follows:

Increased portal pressure: Portal hypertension is the condition where the portal vein blood pressure increases. The portal vein is the vessels that carry the blood from the spleen, pancreas, and intestine to the liver.

Blood flow becomes harder in the liver when it gets scarred, resulting in a back-up of blood pressure in the portal vein. Finally, this leads to increased fluid pressure in the liver and other organs of the abdomen and forces the fluid from the capillaries into the peritoneal cavity.

Sodium and water retention: Albumin is the protein that helps to manage the fluid in the bloodstream; if the liver gets damaged, it cannot produce enough albumins. Thus, it leads to low blood pressure and influences the kidneys to retain water and sodium in an attempt to compensate - these increased levels of sodium and water leak outside from the capillaries into the peritoneal cavity.

Ascites treatment depends on the underlying cause but often involves managing the contributing factors. This may include medications to reduce fluid retention, dietary changes (such as sodium restriction), and addressing the underlying medical condition. In some cases, therapeutic paracentesis (removal of fluid from the abdominal cavity) may be performed to alleviate symptoms. It's important for individuals with ascites to work closely with their doctor to determine the most appropriate course of treatment based on the underlying cause of the condition.

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