Ascites
Description
Excess fluid in the space between the tissues lining the abdomen and abdominal organs (the peritoneal cavity). There are many causes of ascites with the most common being liver failure and cancer. The fluid build-up can become severe enough to prevent normal breathing by pushing 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
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.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- CT Scan
- MRI
- Ultrasound
Treatment
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. Medicine 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.
Research
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