What causes ascites?
In people with liver disease, ascitic fluid leaks from the surface of the liver and intestine. Low levels of albumin in the blood that cause a change in the pressure necessary to prevent fluid exchange (osmotic pressure). This change in pressure allows fluid to seep out of the blood vessels. An increase in the pressure within the branches of the portal vein that run through liver (portal hypertension). Portal hypertension is caused by the scarring that occurs in cirrhosis. Blood that cannot flow through the liver because of the increased pressure leaks into the abdomen and causes ascites.
Ascites tends to occur in long-standing (chronic) rather than in short-lived (acute) disorders. It occurs most commonly in cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver), especially in cirrhosis caused by alcoholism. Other liver disorders in which ascites may occur include alcoholic hepatitis without cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and obstruction of the hepatic vein. Ascites can also occur in nonliver diseases, such as cancer, heart failure, kidney failure, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), and tuberculosis affecting the lining of the abdominal cavity. |
More information on ascites
What is ascites? - Ascites is the presence of excess fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Ascites is more often associated with liver disease and other long-lasting (chronic) conditions.
What causes ascites? - Ascites occur in long-standing disorders including cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis without cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and obstruction of the hepatic vein.
What're the symptoms of ascites? - Mild ascites is hard to notice, but severe ascites leads to abdominal distension. Some chronic ascites patients develop hepatic hydrothrorax.
How is ascites diagnosed? - Several blood tests are commonly performed for ascites, including full blood count, electrolytes and renal function, liver enzymes, and glucose.
What is the treatment for ascites? - The basic treatment for ascites is bed rest and a salt-restricted diet, usually combined with drugs called diuretics. |
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