Ascites is the buildup of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity.
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Ascites can be caused by:
The risk of this problem is higher in people who have any of the health problems that cause ascites.
Problems may be:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. This may be enough to suspect ascites.
The tests may be done to find the cause:
Images of the abdomen may be taken. This can be done with:
The underlying cause will need to be treated. The goal of treatment is to ease symptoms. Options are:
Dietary changes may need to be made, such as:
Diuretic medicines cause the kidneys to pass more sodium and water in urine. They may be used with a low sodium diet.
Excess fluid may need to be removed. This can be done with paracentesis. A hollow needle will be inserted in the abdomen to remove the fluid.
People who are not helped by these methods may need:
The risk of this health problem may be lowered by treating or preventing the health problems that cause it.
American Liver Foundation
http://www.liverfoundation.org
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
http://www.niddk.nih.gov
Ascites. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/ascites. Accessed August 17, 2021.
Ascites: A common problem in people with cirrhosis. American College of Gastroenterology website. Available at: http://patients.gi.org/topics/ascites. August 17, 2021.
Cirrhosis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/liver-disease/cirrhosis/Pages/facts.aspx. Accessed August 17, 2021.
Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board James Cornell, MD Last Updated: 8/17/2021
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