MedlinePlus says that ascites refers to a collection of fluid that seeps into the tissues between the stomach lining and its cavity (peritoneal cavity). Certain underlying medical problems can, unfortunately, lead to ascites. Some of these conditions can be potentially life-threatening. Fortunately, the causes of ascites can be treated.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a scarring of the liver. Symptoms of cirrhosis include ascites, stomach pain or indigestion, vomiting, nausea, weakness and unintentional weight loss. Cirrhosis also leads to yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), weakness, clay-colored stools, confusion, impotence, leg swelling (edema), bloody stool or vomiting of blood.
Cirrhosis is mainly due to a chronic liver disease. Specifically, chronic liver disease can lead to high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the liver (portal hypertension) or lead to low albumin (protein) levels. Hepatitis B (a liver infection), hematochromatosis (condition of iron overload) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are other diseases that can lead to cirrhosis.
Treatment of cirrhosis involves making such lifestyle changes as not drinking alcohol, limiting salt in the diet and eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables. Other treatment options involve taking diuretics, limiting fluid and removing fluid through a procedure called paracentesis to manage the ascites. Some other treatments for cirrhosis involve taking antibiotics for infections.
Nephrotic Syndrome
MedlinePlus says that nephrotic syndrome is a condition that is associated with urine protein levels that are greater than 3.5 grams. High cholesterol and triglyceride levels also characterize nephrotic syndrome. Symptoms of nephrotic syndrome include ascites, arm, leg, facial or eye swelling and a poor appetite. Other symptoms of this syndrome include unintentional weight gain, foamy urine and high blood pressure.
Certain kidney diseases such as minimal change disease, membranous glomerulonephritis and segmental glomerulosclerosis are other diseases that can lead to nephrotic syndrome. MedlinePlus says that treatment for nephrotic syndrome involves stopping the progression of the disease. Medications such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and corticosteroids can lead to a decrease in nephrotic syndrome. Taking diuretics (water pills) and blood thinners can be used to manage nephrotic syndrome.
Liver Cancer
Liver cancer refers to a rapidly growing liver cells that can spread to different regions of the body. The Mayo Clinic says that liver cancer is the most common type of cancer globally, but it rarely affects people in the United States. Specific symptoms of liver cancer include ascites, unintentional weight loss, upper level stomach pain, stomach swelling and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). Vomiting, nausea, a large liver (hepatomegaly), fatigue and weakness are other symptoms of liver cancer.
Hepatitis viruses can lead to liver cancer; yet sometimes, the cause for liver cancer is unknown. Treatment for liver cancer involves removing parts of the liver, getting a liver transplant or freezing the liver cancer cells in a procedure called cryoablation. Some other treatments include heating up the cancer cells (radiofrequency ablation), radiation treatment and taking targeted drug therapy such as sorafenib.
Member Comments