A protruding belly is common in the middle age for which your doctor might suggest you some healthy foot habits, cutting down on alcohol, and regular exercise. But unusual distention of abdomen that grows and becomes abnormally visible might indicate something else. In certain medical condition, the distended abdomen could be due to fluid accumulation in the space between the lining of abdomen and other organs in the abdominal cavity. This condition is called “ascites” and it is a liver disease. It can be seen in children as well as adults.
What Causes Ascites?
The basic reason behind ascites is pressure build-up inside the liver which could also be the aftermath of other medical conditions. Due to pressure in the veins of liver, more fluid is forced into the abdominal cavity causing gradual enlargement of the belly. The condition can also arise due to cirrhosis, heart and kidney failure, cancer or any kind of infection
There are few obvious symptoms associated with ascites like ballooning of abdomen and feeling of fullness. Some other related symptoms include:
•Weight gain
•Shortness of breath
•Nausea and vomiting
•Indigestion and heartburn
•Loss of appetite
Combination of any of these symptoms needs attention, however, the sign of stomach distention should never be ignored. Meeting a gastroenterologist or hepatologist is urgent in this case. Leaving unattended can further damage the liver leading to life-threatening situation.
Symptoms of Ascites with Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cirrhosis is a chronic condition of liver damage due to various causes that leads to liver scarring and liver failure. People with cirrhosis also experience ascites associated with symptoms like leg swelling, easy bruising, enlargement of the breast and confusion.
Ascites due to Heart Failure
Ascites can also be the aftermath of heart failure. The associated symptoms are shortness of breath that tend to worsen with activity and lying in the supine position. The patient will experience distention of the abdomen and may waken up in the middle of the night with feeling of abnormal breathing. Swelling of leg is also noticed.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A physical examination conducted by the doctor along with a few blood tests and ultrasound can help in the diagnosis of the condition.
“Paracentesis” is another important test done to diagnose the cause of the problem to initiate a targeted cure. It involves taking out some fluid from the abdomen through needle for its examination.
Low grade ascites requires flushing out of the fluid and salt from the body, so the doctor might prescribe “water pills”. It helps in removing the fluid accumulation inside the abdomen. Also, the extra fluid can be removed through paracentesis, but immense care in diet is needed. Especially, cutting down on salt intake is mandatory, as the body is not able to remove the excess salt from the body on its own. If precautions are not taken, the body will again build-up the fluid.
When these medications and procedures don’t work, surgery, stent implant, or liver transplant is considered.
Risk Prevention for Ascites
You can reduce the risk for Ascites with some healthy habits and a little awareness.
1.Drink alcohol in moderation as it affects the liver health.
2.Get vaccinated for Hepatitis B and take all the precautions as hepatitis also spreads through same needle use and unsafe sex.
3.If you take any medication that can affect your liver health then don’t forget to discuss with your doctor.
4.Get tested for liver function test and other preventive health check-ups as suggested by the doctor.
For any abnormal symptom, don’t delay a consultation with your doctor. If you experience frequent gastro related ailments then keep visiting a gastroenterologist regularly. Find your nearest Gastroenterologist or hepatologist on Zoylo and book online appointment.Author Bio: