If the quantity of fluid is less than 100 to 400ml, mild ascites might have no symptoms at all. With the increase in the quantity of fluid, the following symptoms may be observed: Increased abdominal girth Increased abdominal size Bloating Shortness of breath Abdominal pain Abdominal discomfort Disfiguring large bellyDFDAFF
The exact mechanism of the development of ascites is not yet fully understood. However, the main causes are: Portal hypertension – Increased blood pressure in liver Increase in portal blood pressure Decrease in albumin content of the blood Salt retention in blood Water retention in blood Congestive heart failure Advanced kidney failure Tumors in abdominal cavity Blood clots in portal vessel Cancers like malignant ascites, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, lymphoma, lung cancer or ovarian cancer. Chronic inflammation of pancreas Alcohol abuse Trauma to pancreas
The experts use several means of diagnosing Ascites, including - ... Ultrasound Physical exam CT scan Paracentesis Blood count check Medical history check
Like all other diseases, the treatment for ascites depends largely on the cause. Therefore, the treatment procedures adopted by the doctor for ascites are: .. Diet You would be advised to: Decrease Sodium intake to less than 2 grams per day Take diuretics or water pills along with less salt diet, for greater effect Pharmacotherapy Diuretics are recommended to increase water and salt excretion from the kidneys. Therapeutic paracentesis Excessive fluid can be removed by extracting it from the abdominal area, using a needle and in sterile conditions. About four to five litres of fluid can be drained in this method, every time. Surgical procedures If your case is refractory and does not seem to respond well to the methods described above, ythe doctor may suggest a surgical therapy to treat ascites. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts This is a procedure done through the internal jugular vein (the main vein in the neck) under local anaesthesia by an interventional radiologist. A shunt is placed between the portal venous system and the systemic venous system (veins returning blood back to the heart), thereby reducing the portal pressure. This procedure is reserved for patients who have minimal response to aggressive medical treatment. It has been shown to reduce ascites and either limit or eliminate the use of diuretics in a majority of cases performed. However, it is associated with significant complications such as hepatic encephalopathy and even death. More traditional shunt placements like peritoneovenous shunt and systemic portosystemic shunt have been essentially abandoned due to their high rate of complications.) Liver transplant Liver transplantation for advanced cirrhosis may be considered a treatment for ascites due to liver failure. Liver transplant involves a very complicated and prolonged process and it requires very close monitoring and management by transplant specialists.
Ascites can be prevented with the following precautionary methods: Reduced consumption of alcohol and tobacco Maintaining a healthy body weight Limiting the intake of salt in the diet Practicing safe sex to avoid hepatitis Avoiding recreational drugs that could cause hepatitis
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