Ascites

Ascites is a condition where fluid accumulates in spaces of your abdomen, and can cause severe

pain. This condition can prevent one from moving around comfortably, and can set the stage for an

infection in the abdomen. The fluid can move from the abdomen to the chest and lungs, making it difficult to breathe properly. Occurring most frequently due to the cirrhosis of the liver, ascites can also be caused by various types of cancer (advanced or recurrent types). Of the many symptoms of ascites, the more noticeable ones include swelling of the abdomen and lower legs, senses of heaviness or fullness, hemorrhoids, shortness of breath, vomiting, nausea, or indigestion.

Initially, one’s healthcare provider would perform a physical exam and ask about symptoms. Next,

one’s healthcare provider would diagnose their patient with ascites after performing a fluid test as well as imaging. In the fluid test, a sample of fluid is taken from the abdomen using a needle. This fluid is then

sent to be tested for any types of cancer, infection, or other diseases. This test generally helps determine the cause for the ascites. In the imaging processes, the healthcare provider may request images of the abdomen to be taken using ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans.

While no cures exist for ascites, a large number of treatments are available to help patients

suffering from ascites. Such treatments may include a cutback on salt intake and amount of fluids

consumed (completely stop the consumption of alcohol). Patients could also take diuretic medicines to

reduce the amount of fluid present in their bodies. In some worse cases, doctors may need to use

needles to remove fluid from the bodies of patients with ascites; however, this only occurs if diuretics are not working or if the patient is having trouble breathing. In the most complicated cases, patients may have to go through a special procedure known as TIPS. In a TIPS procedure, a connection is made

inside the liver between the blood vessels to ease the high pressure that generally causes ascites.

Being such a meddling disease, ascites can also be prevented by taking certain steps to avoid

cirrhosis of the liver as well as cancer. These steps include completely eliminating alcohol from the fluids

consumed by a person, exercising daily, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting salt in one’s diet,

practicing safe sex to prevent hepatitis, as well as eliminating the usage of recreational drugs in

inappropriate manners. Ascites is a disease that severely limits the lives of those affected by it, but can

be prevented by maintaining healthy lifestyles.