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Ascites Treatment

Ascites is a medical condition that typically affects patients who are suffering from liver disease. If you suffer from ascites, then you have excess fluid between the abdomen and the organs of the abdomen. There are various treatments used to treat ascites, and your doctor will make the appropriate recommendations.

  1. Evaluating Your Symptoms

    • Before treatment will be ordered, the physician will evaluate your symptoms to decide if you are suffering from ascites. If you have the complication, your belly will appear swollen and feel tender. The doctor may perform a paracentesis, which involves removing fluid from the abdomen using a fine needle. The fluid will be tested to confirm diagnosis.

    Underlying Conditions

    • Your physician will order diagnostic testing as a way to determine the underlying cause of the ascites. Liver disease is the main cause of ascites and the patient may be diagnosed with cirrhosis, hepatitis, cancer of the liver or nephritic syndrome. Congestive heart failure and pancreatitis have also been linked to ascites. In addition to specific treatment for ascites, these underlying conditions will be monitored in order to control the disorder.

    Medications

    • Diuretics are often recommended to patients suffering from ascites as a way to decrease fluid buildup. Lasix and Aldactone are commonly prescribed from the condition. If an infection is suspected, antibiotics will be prescribed as well.

    Lifestyle Changes

    • The goal of the physician will be to help you reduce swelling and fluid buildup. You may need to eliminate foods high in salt from your diet, like chips, cured meats and frozen food entrees. Alcohol should also be avoided as part of your treatment for ascites.

    Surgical Treatment

    • If lifestyle changes and medications are not successful at treating ascites, more drastic measures may be used to eliminate the excess fluid from the abdominal cavity. A tube may need to be inserted into the abdomen in order to drain the fluid. A shunt may also be placed in order to get rid of the fluid. Both of these procedures will be performed under anesthesia.

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