About-Ascites is the abnormal accumulation of fluid inside the abdominal cavity. The condition causes the abdomen to become swollen or enlarged and may lead to discomfort, loss of appetite, breathing difficulties and other symptoms. Ascites is not a disease by itself. It is usually a sign of an underlying medical condition. The most common cause is advanced liver disease, particularly cirrhosis of the liver. However, ascites can also occur due to heart failure, kidney disease, certain cancers, infections such as tuberculosis, pancreatitis and other conditions. The amount of fluid can range from a small quantity that causes few symptoms to several litres that produce significant abdominal swelling and discomfort. Ascites should be medically evaluated because identifying and treating its underlying cause is important.
Mild ascites may not cause noticeable symptoms. As more fluid accumulates, symptoms can become more obvious. Common symptoms include:
Rapid weight gain due to fluid accumulation
Abdominal swelling or a large, distended belly
Bloating or a feeling of fullness
Loss of appetite
Abdominal discomfort or pain
Nausea and vomiting
Heartburn or indigestion
Swelling of the ankles and legs
Shortness of breath, particularly when lying down or when a large amount of fluid presses against the diaphragm
Feeling of heaviness or tightness in the abdomen
Increased abdominal girth
Feeling full after eating only a small amount
People with liver disease may also have other symptoms, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, easy bruising, fatigue, confusion or swelling in other parts of the body.
New or rapidly worsening abdominal swelling should be evaluated by a doctor. In people with known liver disease or ascites, a sudden increase in abdominal swelling, abdominal pain, fever or confusion may indicate an infection of the abdominal fluid and requires urgent medical attention.
Ascites develops when the normal balance of fluid pressure and proteins in the blood and tissues is disrupted. Several medical conditions can cause this imbalance.
Cirrhosis of the liver is the most common cause of ascites. Cirrhosis causes scarring and permanent damage to the liver. As liver function deteriorates, pressure increases in the blood vessels supplying the liver. This condition, called portal hypertension, contributes to fluid moving into the abdominal cavity. Reduced production of albumin by a damaged liver can also contribute to fluid accumulation.
Long-term excessive alcohol consumption can damage the liver and cause cirrhosis. Advanced alcohol-related liver disease is an important cause of ascites.
The risk of developing ascites is increased in people with conditions that affect the liver, heart, kidneys or abdominal organs. Risk factors may include:
Long-term liver disease
Cirrhosis
Chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C
Long-term excessive alcohol consumption
Certain types of cancer
Heart failure
Kidney disease
Previous episodes of ascites
Certain abdominal infections
Conditions causing severe inflammation of the pancreas
Having a risk factor does not necessarily mean that a person will develop ascites.
Several changes can contribute to the development of ascites. In advanced liver disease, blood flow through the liver becomes restricted because of scarring. This increases pressure in the portal venous system, a condition known as portal hypertension. At the same time, a damaged liver may produce less albumin, a protein that helps keep fluid inside blood vessels. The kidneys may also respond to changes in circulation by retaining more sodium and water. Together, these changes can cause fluid to move out of the blood vessels and accumulate in the abdominal cavity.
Fluid accumulated in the abdomen can become infected without an obvious source of infection. This condition is called spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and can be life-threatening. Symptoms may include:
People with ascites may feel full quickly and eat less. This can contribute to inadequate nutrition and muscle loss, especially in people with chronic liver disease.
A doctor usually begins with a medical history and physical examination. The abdomen may be examined for swelling and signs of fluid accumulation. Tests may include:
Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be recommended when more detailed information is required or when an underlying cancer or other abdominal condition is suspected.
Paracentesis is a procedure in which a doctor uses a needle to remove a sample of abdominal fluid for laboratory testing. The fluid may be examined for:
Infection
Protein and albumin levels
Evidence of cancer
Other conditions that may explain the ascites
Paracentesis is particularly important when ascites is newly diagnosed or when infection is suspected.
The most important step is treating the condition responsible for the ascites. For example, treatment may involve managing liver disease, heart failure, kidney disease, cancer, pancreatitis or an infection.
People with ascites, particularly those related to cirrhosis, are often advised to reduce their dietary sodium intake. Lower sodium can help reduce the body’s tendency to retain fluid. A doctor or dietitian can provide individualized dietary advice.
Doctors may prescribe diuretics, commonly called water tablets, to help the kidneys remove excess sodium and water from the body. These medicines need medical supervision because they can affect kidney function and blood electrolyte levels.
When ascites is severe or causes significant discomfort or breathing difficulty, a doctor may remove fluid from the abdomen using a procedure called therapeutic paracentesis. The procedure can provide rapid relief when a large amount of fluid has accumulated.
In certain circumstances, intravenous albumin may be given after large-volume paracentesis or for specific complications of advanced liver disease. The decision depends on the individual patient’s condition.
When ascites does not respond adequately to standard treatment, specialists may consider additional options. In selected patients with advanced liver disease, a procedure called transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) may be considered. For some people with severe, irreversible liver disease, liver transplantation may be the most appropriate long-term treatment.
You have ascites and develop fever, severe abdominal pain, increasing abdominal tenderness, vomiting, confusion, extreme weakness, difficulty breathing, fainting or a sudden deterioration in your condition. These symptoms may indicate a serious complication such as an abdominal infection or another medical emergency.
A Gastroenterologist or hepatologist may evaluate ascites, particularly when it is related to liver disease. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may also involve a cardiologist, nephrologist, oncologist, infectious disease specialist or other healthcare professional.
Ascites is the abnormal accumulation of fluid inside the abdominal cavity. It is usually a sign of an underlying medical condition rather than a disease on its own.
Advanced cirrhosis of the liver is the most common cause of ascites. However, heart failure, cancer, kidney disease, infections and other conditions can also cause it.
Ascites can be a serious medical condition, particularly when it occurs because of advanced liver disease. Complications such as infection of the abdominal fluid can be life-threatening.
Ascites can improve or resolve when its underlying cause is successfully treated. Treatment may also include dietary sodium restriction, diuretic medicines or removal of abdominal fluid.
Whether ascites can be cured depends on its cause. Some underlying conditions can be effectively treated, while ascites caused by advanced chronic disease may require long-term management.
No. Although liver cirrhosis is the most common cause, ascites can also occur due to heart failure, cancer, kidney disease, pancreatitis, tuberculosis and other conditions.
Ascites may cause abdominal discomfort, pressure, heaviness or pain, especially when a large amount of fluid accumulates. Some people may have significant fluid accumulation without severe pain.
Paracentesis is a medical procedure in which a doctor inserts a needle or catheter into the abdomen to remove fluid. The fluid can also be tested to determine its cause or check for infection.
Fluid intake recommendations vary according to the underlying condition and the person’s sodium level and other medical factors. Some people may require fluid restriction, while others may not. Follow the specific advice of your doctor rather than restricting fluids on your own.
Ascites itself is not contagious. However, an underlying infection such as tuberculosis or viral hepatitis may be transmissible depending on the specific infection and circumstances.
A gastroenterologist or hepatologist commonly evaluates ascites, particularly when liver disease is involved. Other specialists may be involved depending on the underlying cause.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ascites can be caused by serious underlying medical conditions and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional. Do not start, stop or change medicines or treatment based solely on information provided in this article. If you have severe abdominal pain, fever, confusion, difficulty breathing or another medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention.
