![]() All patients with ascites caused by liver cirrhosis are advised to minimize or stop drinking alcohol as this will help prevent fluid build-up and improve response to medications. It can be treated in various ways, from lifestyle and diet changes to medication and medical procedures. What treatments are available for ascites? Medications used to reduce the fluid can cause changes in salt and potassium levels which can be dangerous and can also affect kidney function, so it is important to have regular blood tests.This is a potentially dangerous complication so if these symptoms occur it is important to see a doctor straight away. This can cause fever, confusion and make people feel very unwell. The other way that ascites can affect you is because of the complications from the actual condition. Fluid build-up should always be reported to your doctor who may recommend a change in treatment or drainage of the fluid. There can also be embarrassment about appearance leading to a reluctance to go out in public and a curtailment of enjoyable activities. The first is its overall impact on general wellbeing which may include discomfort in and around the abdomen, issues with mobility and posture, nausea or vomiting and shortness of breath. How can ascites affect you?Īscites can affect a person in two main ways. This is carried out using a small needle and usually causes only mild discomfort. In addition, a sample of the abdominal fluid may also be taken to find the cause. Blood tests and possibly further scans may be needed to try and work out the cause of the ascites. This can detect the presence of fluid as well as provide information about how much fluid there is along with other important information about the internal organs, especially the liver. The presence of ascites can be determined by an examination but is usually confirmed by performing an ultrasound scan of the abdomen. There may be an increase in pressure on the lungs or sometimes build-up of fluid in the lungs, causing shortness of breath, especially when lying flat. Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick) can also occur. The build-up of fluid may put pressure on the bowel making the person want to eat less, become constipated or experience a burning pain in the centre of the chest (indigestion). Weight gain caused by the additional fluid may lead to decreased mobility. Some people may try to adjust the way they stand or walk due to the increased abdominal size and this can result in a change of posture. If the volume of fluid becomes very large, it can be uncomfortable and can make the abdomen feel very ‘heavy’. Clothes may become tight and belt size may need to increase. The main symptom of ascites is an increase in the size of the abdomen.
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