💧 Ascites – Fluid in the Belly (Abdominal Cavity)
Ascites is the abnormal buildup of fluid in the space between the lining of the abdomen and the abdominal organs (the peritoneal cavity). It causes abdominal swelling and discomfort.
🧬 Causes:
- Liver disease: The most common cause is cirrhosis, which increases pressure in blood vessels and reduces liver function.
- Cancer: Spread of cancer to the abdomen (peritoneal carcinomatosis)
- Heart failure: Poor heart pumping can cause fluid buildup
- Kidney disease: Causes fluid retention
- Infections: Tuberculous peritonitis or bacterial infections
🩺 Symptoms:
- Visible swelling or bloating of the abdomen
- Feeling of heaviness or fullness
- Discomfort or pain in the belly
- Shortness of breath if fluid pushes on the lungs
- Weight gain due to fluid accumulation
🔍 Diagnosis:
- Physical exam (fluid wave test, shifting dullness)
- Ultrasound or CT scan to detect fluid
- Paracentesis (needle removal of fluid) for analysis:
- To check for infection, cancer cells, protein content
💊 Treatment:
- Treat underlying cause (liver disease, cancer, heart failure)
- Salt restriction to reduce fluid retention
- Diuretics (water pills) to help remove excess fluid
- Paracentesis to drain large amounts of fluid for relief
- In severe cases, procedures like TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) may be done
⚠️ Complications:
- Infection of the ascitic fluid (spontaneous bacterial peritonitis)
- Difficulty breathing or eating due to pressure from fluid
- Kidney failure in severe cases