Ascites is the buildup of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity.
Ascites can be caused by:
Factors that may increase your chance of ascites include having any of the conditions above.
Symptoms may include:
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests to determine cause may include:
Imaging tests look for the amount and distribution of fluid, and evaluate abdominal structures. These may include:
Some treatments will vary according to what is causing the ascites. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Some options include:
Diuretic medications cause the kidneys to excrete more sodium and water in the urine. These medications are often recommended as the treatment of choice for ascites, along with sodium restriction.
Ascites can be treated by inserting a hollow needle into the abdomen and removing excess fluid through the needle.
If the other treatments are not effective and the ascites keep coming back, surgery can be done to divert blood away from the liver. If this is not successful, a liver transplant may be necessary.
To help reduce the chance of ascites:
American Liver Foundation
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Ascites. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116330/Ascites. Updated July 31, 2017. Accessed March 14, 2018.
Ascites: A common problem in people with cirrhosis. American College of Gastroenterology website. Available at: http://patients.gi.org/topics/ascites. Updated July 2013. Accessed March 14, 2018.
Bondini S, Younossi ZM. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatitis C infection. Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol. 2006 Jun 52(2):135-143.
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. Updated April 2014. Accessed March 14, 2018.
Hepatitis C: screening. US Preventive Services Task Force website. Available at: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/UpdateSummaryFinal/hepatitis-c-screening?ds=1&s=hepatitis%20C. Updated June 2013. Accessed March 14, 2018.
Last reviewed March 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.