Ascites
About Ascites
Excess fluid in the space (the peritoneal cavity) inside the abdomen that is not occupied by abdominal organs. There are many causes of ascites with the most common being liver failure and cancer. The fluid build-up can become severe enough to make breathing difficult, because the fluid pushes upward on the lungs and preventing their normal expansion. The fluid can also become infected leading to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, a potentially life threatening condition.Symptoms
Abdominal swelling, weight gain, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. The provider may take ascites fluid from the abdomen to analyze it. This is called a paracentesis. A CT scan, ultrasound and/or MRI may be done to help determine the cause of the fluid.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, MRI, Ultrasound.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Therapy is aimed at determining and reversing the cause of the ascites. Simply removing the fluid (paracentesis) is many times only a temporary solution since the fluid accumulates over time, sometimes very quickly within days. Medicines that increase urine output called diuretics are frequently used with the most common being spironolactone (Aldactone) and furosemide (Lasix). Decreasing salt intake can also sometimes help prevent the fluid from returning.Medical specialties
Gastroenterology · Pediatric Gastroenterology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Ascites.