Ascites
by
Krisha McCoy, MS DefinitionAscites is the buildup of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity.
CausesAscites can be caused by:
Risk FactorsFactors that may increase your chance of ascites include having any of the conditions above. SymptomsSymptoms may include:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests to determine cause may include:
Imaging tests look for the amount and distribution of fluid, and evaluate abdominal structures. These may include: TreatmentSome treatments will vary according to what is causing the ascites. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Some options include: Dietary Changes
DiureticsDiuretic medications cause the kidneys to excrete more sodium and water in the urine. These medications are often recommended as the treatment of choice for ascites, along with sodium restriction. ParacentesisAscites can be treated by inserting a hollow needle into the abdomen and removing excess fluid through the needle. SurgeryIf the other treatments are not effective and the ascites keep coming back, surgery can be done to divert blood away from the liver. If this is not successful, a liver transplant may be necessary. PreventionTo help reduce the chance of ascites:
RESOURCES:American Liver Foundation http://www.liverfoundation.org National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases http://www.niddk.nih.gov References:
Ascites. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116330/Ascites
. Updated July 31, 2017. Accessed March 14, 2018.
Ascites: A common problem in people with cirrhosis. American College of Gastroenterology website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated July 2013. Accessed March 14, 2018. Bondini S, Younossi ZM. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatitis C infection. Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol. 2006 Jun 52(2):135-143. Cirrhosis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated April 2014. Accessed March 14, 2018. Hepatitis C: screening. US Preventive Services Task Force website. Available at: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/UpdateSummaryFinal/hepatitis-c-screening?ds=1&s=hepatitis%20C. Updated June 2013. Accessed March 14, 2018. Last reviewed March 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
James P. Cornell, MD Last Updated: 5/16/2014 | |
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