Ascites: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Focused Health Topics

Digestive Health

Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBA+1 moreApr 12, 2023

Introduction:

Ascites is a medical condition that occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the abdomen. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of ascites.

Causes:

Ascites can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Liver disease, such as cirrhosis
Heart failure
Kidney disease
Cancer
Infection
Inflammatory bowel disease

Symptoms:

The symptoms of ascites can vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the fluid buildup. Some common symptoms include:

Abdominal swelling or bloating
Difficulty breathing
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Abdominal pain or discomfort

Treatment:

The treatment of ascites depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Some common treatment options include:

Diuretics to help the body eliminate excess fluid
Paracentesis, a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the abdomen to drain excess fluid
Surgery to remove the fluid and repair any underlying damage
Lifestyle changes, such as reducing salt intake and losing weight

Conclusion:

Ascites is a medical condition that can be caused by a variety of underlying factors. If you are experiencing symptoms of ascites, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and discuss your treatment options.

Hashtags: #ascites #medicalcondition #excessfluid #healthcare #medicalconditions #treatmentoptions #paracentesis

On the Article

Author

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

Author

Alexandra Warren

Senior Editorial Staff

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

Medical Information

Products