Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. The fluid, called ascitic fluid, contains a large amount of the protein albumin, the most abundant protein in the blood. Although small amounts of fluid may not cause symptoms, severe ascites can cause abdominal swelling and discomfort that can lead to a loss of appetite and trouble breathing (due to the pressure on the lungs). There are several conditions and diseases that can cause ascites, but according to Family Practice Notebook, 90 percent of all cases of ascites are caused by a few diseases.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis of the liver is a condition caused by the buildup of scar tissue in the liver that inhibits normal liver function. As blood flow through the liver is impeded, the blood pressure in the portal vein, the main blood vessel that carries blood into the liver, rises. The body responds by trying to reroute the blood through other arteries, bypassing the liver.
To aid in decreasing the pressure, the body also releases hormones to induce vasodilation, the relaxation of blood vessels. To help push blood through the vessels, additional hormones are released to cause vasoconstriction, the tightening of blood vessels. The end effect of this chain of reactions is the retention of sodium (salt) and water that accumulates in the abdomen. The Cleveland Clinic reports that 60 percent of patients with cirrhosis will develop ascites that will require therapy or a liver transplant.
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure is a condition that occurs when the heart is not able to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs accompanied by a buildup of fluids in the body. The Yale University School of Medicine reports that an estimated 2 million people in the United States live with congestive heart failure.
During heart failure the heart muscle is unable to effectively pump blood through the body. To help reduce the volume of blood, excess fluid is forced out of the blood vessels and left to accumulate in the body. In severe cases of congestive heart failure, the gastrointestinal tract becomes swollen and fluids are forced into the abdominal cavity resulting in ascites.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, an infection caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis, normally affects the lungs. It can also affect other areas in the body including the abdominal region, with tuberculous peritonitis. In tuberculous peritonitis the bacteria infects the lining of the abdomen, known as the peritoneum, and causes symptoms of abdominal pain, fever and ascites.
Cancer
Cancer, the abnormal growth of cells, accounts for approximately 10 percent of all ascites cases, according to American Society for Clinical Oncology. This type of ascites is known as malignant ascites and is most commonly associated with breast, colon, gastrointestinal, ovarian, pancreatic and uterine cancers.
