Ascites is when there is an accumulation of fluid inside
of the abdominal cavity. This fluid is usually serous. Ascitic fluid is usually related
to liver disease, heart failure, or kidney failure. The most common reason that people
develop ascites is because of cirrhosis of the
liver.
Ascites is classified in two different ways and it
is based on albumin levels. There is ascites related to portal hypertension (most
common) and ascites caused by other reasons.
Symptoms of
ascites may vary depending on the amount of fluid that has accumulated inside the
abdominal cavity. If there is little fluid, there may be no symptoms at all. Once there
is a significant amount of fluid, symptoms may include abdominal pain or discomfort,
bloating, or shortness of breath.
Treatments vary depending
on the cause but they may include diet management and certain medications such as
diuretics.
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