Buildup of fluid in the space surrounding the organs in the abdomen-Ascites

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Ascites is the buildup of fluid in the space surrounding the organs in the abdomen. Ascites is the excessive accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. 

Causes 

Cirrhosis

Heart failure

Nephrotic syndrome

Protein-losing enteropathy

Tuberculosis

Pancreatitis

Hypothyroidism

Iatrogenic 

 

Symptoms 

Weight gain

Shortness of breath 

Abdominal swelling

Sense of fullness or bloating

Sense of heaviness

Indigestion

Nausea or vomiting

Changes to the belly button

Hemorrhoids, which causes painful swelling near the anus

Ankle swelling

Fatigue

Decreased appetite

Diagnosis

Blood tests

FBC

Renal function tests

Liver function test

Clotting screen

Antibody tests for hepatitis B or C.

Abdominal ultrasound 

X-ray

Computerized tomography 

Paracentesis

Treatment 

Reduce salt intake

Reduce the amount of water you drink other liquids as usual

Take diuretics which help reduce the amount of water in the body

Paracentesis

Chemotherapy for people with certain cancers, such as lymphoma or breast and ovarian cancers. However, chemotherapy is rarely used to manage ascites.

 

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