Ascites: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Ascites | |||
| image = [[File:Hepaticfailure.jpg|left|thumb|Ascites due to [[hepatic failure]]]] | |||
| caption = Ascites in a patient with [[hepatic failure]] | |||
| field = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| symptoms = Abdominal distension, discomfort, shortness of breath | |||
| complications = [[Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis]], [[hepatorenal syndrome]] | |||
| onset = Gradual | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| causes = [[Cirrhosis]], [[heart failure]], [[cancer]], [[tuberculosis]] | |||
| risks = [[Alcoholism]], [[hepatitis]], [[obesity]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[ultrasound]], [[paracentesis]] | |||
| differential = [[Obesity]], [[ovarian cyst]], [[pregnancy]] | |||
| treatment = [[Diuretics]], [[paracentesis]], [[TIPS procedure]] | |||
| medication = [[Spironolactone]], [[furosemide]] | |||
| prognosis = Depends on underlying cause | |||
| frequency = Common in patients with [[cirrhosis]] | |||
}} | |||
'''Other names:'''Portal hypertension - ascites; Cirrhosis - ascites; Liver failure - ascites; Alcohol use - ascites; End-stage liver disease - ascites; ESLD - ascites | '''Other names:'''Portal hypertension - ascites; Cirrhosis - ascites; Liver failure - ascites; Alcohol use - ascites; End-stage liver disease - ascites; ESLD - ascites | ||
Ascites is the build-up of fluid in the space between the lining of the abdomen and abdominal organs. | Ascites is the build-up of fluid in the space between the lining of the abdomen and abdominal organs. | ||
[[File:A man with ascites.jpg|thumb]] | [[File:A man with ascites.jpg|left|thumb]] | ||
[[File:Ascites Fluid Cytology.JPG|thumb]] | [[File:Ascites Fluid Cytology.JPG|left|thumb]] | ||
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== '''Causes and riskfactors''' == | == '''Causes and riskfactors''' == | ||
Ascites results from high pressure in the blood vessels of the liver ([[portal hypertension]]) and low levels of a protein called [[albumin]]. | Ascites results from high pressure in the blood vessels of the liver ([[portal hypertension]]) and low levels of a protein called [[albumin]]. | ||
Diseases that can cause severe liver damage can lead to ascites. These include: | Diseases that can cause severe liver damage can lead to ascites. These include: | ||
* Chronic [[hepatitis]] C or B infection | * Chronic [[hepatitis]] C or B infection | ||
| Line 24: | Line 39: | ||
* Fatty liver disease ([[non-alcoholic steatohepatitis]] or NASH) | * Fatty liver disease ([[non-alcoholic steatohepatitis]] or NASH) | ||
* People with certain cancers in the abdomen may develop ascites. These include cancer of the appendix, colon, ovaries, uterus, pancreas, and liver. | * People with certain cancers in the abdomen may develop ascites. These include cancer of the appendix, colon, ovaries, uterus, pancreas, and liver. | ||
Other conditions that can cause this problem include: | Other conditions that can cause this problem include: | ||
* Clots in the veins of the liver (portal vein thrombosis) | * Clots in the veins of the liver (portal vein thrombosis) | ||
| Line 31: | Line 45: | ||
* Thickening and scarring of the sac-like covering of the heart (pericarditis) | * Thickening and scarring of the sac-like covering of the heart (pericarditis) | ||
* Kidney [[dialysis]] may also be linked to ascites. | * Kidney [[dialysis]] may also be linked to ascites. | ||
== '''Symptoms''' == | == '''Symptoms''' == | ||
Symptoms may develop slowly or suddenly depending on the cause of ascites. You may have no symptoms if there is only a small amount of fluid in the belly. | Symptoms may develop slowly or suddenly depending on the cause of ascites. You may have no symptoms if there is only a small amount of fluid in the belly. | ||
As more fluid collects, you may have abdominal pain and bloating. Large amounts of fluid can cause shortness of breath. | As more fluid collects, you may have abdominal pain and bloating. Large amounts of fluid can cause shortness of breath. | ||
Many other symptoms of liver failure may also be present. | Many other symptoms of liver failure may also be present. | ||
== '''Diagnosis''' == | == '''Diagnosis''' == | ||
[[File:Ascites ultrasound 2.JPG|thumb]] | [[File:Ascites ultrasound 2.JPG|left|thumb]] | ||
Your doctor will do a physical exam to determine the amount of swelling in your belly. | Your doctor will do a physical exam to determine the amount of swelling in your belly. | ||
You may also have the following tests to assess your liver and kidneys: | You may also have the following tests to assess your liver and kidneys: | ||
* 24-hour urine collection | * 24-hour urine collection | ||
| Line 51: | Line 61: | ||
* Abdominal [[ultrasound]] | * Abdominal [[ultrasound]] | ||
* Your doctor may also use a thin needle to withdraw ascites fluid from your belly. The fluid is tested to look for the cause of ascites and to check if the fluid is infected. | * Your doctor may also use a thin needle to withdraw ascites fluid from your belly. The fluid is tested to look for the cause of ascites and to check if the fluid is infected. | ||
== '''Treatment''' == | == '''Treatment''' == | ||
The condition that causes ascites will be treated, if possible. | The condition that causes ascites will be treated, if possible. | ||
Treatments for fluid build-up may include lifestyle changes: | Treatments for fluid build-up may include lifestyle changes: | ||
* Avoiding alcohol | * Avoiding alcohol | ||
| Line 62: | Line 70: | ||
* "Water pills" ([[diuretics]]) to get rid of extra fluid | * "Water pills" ([[diuretics]]) to get rid of extra fluid | ||
* [[Antibiotics]] for infections | * [[Antibiotics]] for infections | ||
Other things you can do to help take care of your liver disease are: | Other things you can do to help take care of your liver disease are: | ||
* Get vaccinated for diseases such as [[influenza]], [[hepatitis A]] and [[hepatitis B]], and [[pneumococcal pneumonia]] | * Get vaccinated for diseases such as [[influenza]], [[hepatitis A]] and [[hepatitis B]], and [[pneumococcal pneumonia]] | ||
* Talk to your doctor about all medicines you take, including herbs and supplements and over-the-counter medicines | * Talk to your doctor about all medicines you take, including herbs and supplements and over-the-counter medicines | ||
Procedures that you may have are: | Procedures that you may have are: | ||
* Inserting a needle into the belly to remove large volumes of fluid (called a [[paracentesis]]) | * Inserting a needle into the belly to remove large volumes of fluid (called a [[paracentesis]]) | ||
* Placing a special tube or shunt inside your liver (TIPS) to repair blood flow to the liver | * Placing a special tube or shunt inside your liver (TIPS) to repair blood flow to the liver | ||
* People with end-stage liver disease may need a [[liver transplant]]. | * People with end-stage liver disease may need a [[liver transplant]]. | ||
If you have [[cirrhosis]], avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, such as [[ibuprofen]] (Advil, Motrin) and [[naproxen]] (Aleve, Naprosyn). [[Acetaminophen]] should be taken in reduced doses. | If you have [[cirrhosis]], avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, such as [[ibuprofen]] (Advil, Motrin) and [[naproxen]] (Aleve, Naprosyn). [[Acetaminophen]] should be taken in reduced doses. | ||
{{Digestive system and abdomen symptoms and signs}} | {{Digestive system and abdomen symptoms and signs}} | ||
{{Hemodynamics}} | {{Hemodynamics}} | ||
[[Category:Symptoms and signs: Digestive system and abdomen]] | [[Category:Symptoms and signs: Digestive system and abdomen]] | ||
[[Category:RTT]] | [[Category:RTT]] | ||
{{rarediseases}} | {{rarediseases}} | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 17:10, 4 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Ascites | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Abdominal distension, discomfort, shortness of breath |
| Complications | Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome |
| Onset | Gradual |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Cirrhosis, heart failure, cancer, tuberculosis |
| Risks | Alcoholism, hepatitis, obesity |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, ultrasound, paracentesis |
| Differential diagnosis | Obesity, ovarian cyst, pregnancy |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Diuretics, paracentesis, TIPS procedure |
| Medication | Spironolactone, furosemide |
| Prognosis | Depends on underlying cause |
| Frequency | Common in patients with cirrhosis |
| Deaths | N/A |
Other names:Portal hypertension - ascites; Cirrhosis - ascites; Liver failure - ascites; Alcohol use - ascites; End-stage liver disease - ascites; ESLD - ascites
Ascites is the build-up of fluid in the space between the lining of the abdomen and abdominal organs.
Causes and riskfactors[edit]
Ascites results from high pressure in the blood vessels of the liver (portal hypertension) and low levels of a protein called albumin. Diseases that can cause severe liver damage can lead to ascites. These include:
- Chronic hepatitis C or B infection
- Alcohol abuse over many years
- Fatty liver disease (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH)
- People with certain cancers in the abdomen may develop ascites. These include cancer of the appendix, colon, ovaries, uterus, pancreas, and liver.
Other conditions that can cause this problem include:
- Clots in the veins of the liver (portal vein thrombosis)
- Congestive heart failure
- Pancreatitis
- Thickening and scarring of the sac-like covering of the heart (pericarditis)
- Kidney dialysis may also be linked to ascites.
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms may develop slowly or suddenly depending on the cause of ascites. You may have no symptoms if there is only a small amount of fluid in the belly. As more fluid collects, you may have abdominal pain and bloating. Large amounts of fluid can cause shortness of breath. Many other symptoms of liver failure may also be present.
Diagnosis[edit]
Your doctor will do a physical exam to determine the amount of swelling in your belly. You may also have the following tests to assess your liver and kidneys:
- 24-hour urine collection
- Electrolyte levels
- Kidney function tests
- Liver function tests
- Tests to measure the risk of bleeding and protein levels in the blood
- Urinalysis
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Your doctor may also use a thin needle to withdraw ascites fluid from your belly. The fluid is tested to look for the cause of ascites and to check if the fluid is infected.
Treatment[edit]
The condition that causes ascites will be treated, if possible. Treatments for fluid build-up may include lifestyle changes:
- Avoiding alcohol
- Lowering salt in your diet (no more than 1,500 mg/day of sodium)
- Limiting fluid intake
You may also get medicines from your doctor, including:
- "Water pills" (diuretics) to get rid of extra fluid
- Antibiotics for infections
Other things you can do to help take care of your liver disease are:
- Get vaccinated for diseases such as influenza, hepatitis A and hepatitis B, and pneumococcal pneumonia
- Talk to your doctor about all medicines you take, including herbs and supplements and over-the-counter medicines
Procedures that you may have are:
- Inserting a needle into the belly to remove large volumes of fluid (called a paracentesis)
- Placing a special tube or shunt inside your liver (TIPS) to repair blood flow to the liver
- People with end-stage liver disease may need a liver transplant.
If you have cirrhosis, avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). Acetaminophen should be taken in reduced doses.
| Signs and symptoms relating to the human digestive system or abdomen | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Disorders of blood flow | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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NIH genetic and rare disease info[edit]
Ascites is a rare disease.
| Rare and genetic diseases | ||||||
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Rare diseases - Ascites
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