Ascites: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Complications, and Prevention
Ascites are the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen that results in an increase in the size of the abdomen, shortness of breath, and sometimes loss of appetite.
- Causes
- Liver Cirrhosis
- Cancer
- Heat Failure
- Fluid retention by Kidneys
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Tuberculosis affecting the lining of the abdomen
- Symptoms
- Abdominal Distention
- Rapid weight gain
- Swelling of ankles
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of apatite
- Complications
Ascites can make eating, drinking, and moving around difficult. It can also make it hard to breathe. Ascites can lead to abdominal infections, which may cause kidney failure. It can also cause umbilical or ingunial hernias.
- Treated
- Cut back on your salt intake
- Cut back on the number of fluids you drink
- Stop drinking alcohol
- Diuretic medicines to help reduce the fluid in your body
- In certain cases, your doctor may need to remove large amounts of fluids from your abdomen through a needle.
- Prevented
- Stop smoking
- Limit salt in your diet
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stop drinking alcohol