What is the meaning of ascites and the causes and symptoms of this condition?
ASCITES – Here are some of the things you should know about ascites, a serious condition including its causes and symptoms.
People who have cirrhosis or scarring in the livers are likely to suffer this kind of condition. Ascites (pronounced as ay-SITE-eez) is the condition where there’s a buildup of excessive fluid in your abdomen or belly.
The peritoneum is a sheet of tissue that covers the stomach, bowels, liver, kidneys, and other abdominal organs. This sheet of tissue has two layers and the build of fluid happens between these two layers.
People who have non-alcohol-associated fatty liver disease, hepatitis B and C, alcohol use disorder, autoimmune hepatitis, and genetic liver diseases are at greater risk for developing this condition. And this is actually a sign of liver failure.
Here are some signs and symptoms:
- Feeling of fullness
- Ballooning belly
- Quick weight gain
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Swelling in legs and ankles
- Indigestion
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Hernia
According to 2021 research, 80% of the cases of this condition are accounted for by liver damage. To diagnose you with this condition, you will have to undergo tests like ultrasound, CT scan, MRI scan, blood test, or laparoscopy.
As for treatment, a person suffering this would be treated depending on the condition that’s causing this. Since ascites is mostly associated with liver damage, one way to prevent this is to live a healthy lifestyle. One must limit salt and alcohol consumption, stop smoking, and be physically active.
Other health issues that cause this include kidney failure, heart failure, infection, pancreatitis, and portal vein thrombosis.
How do you determine ascites and belly fat? These two have different movements. A doctor knows how to identify which is which by having the patient examined when standing and lying down. The shape of the abdomen also indicates something.
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