How to Know If Your Have Ascites of the Abdomen

Ascites is a build up of fluid between the tissue that lines the abdomen and the peritoneal cavity (or the abdominal organs). Ascites is usually associated with more severe conditions, such as liver disease, cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, liver cancer, ovarian cancer and pancreatitis. If you already have one of these conditions and you are suffering from abdominal bloating, it may be a sign of Ascites. If you do not have one of these conditions, there are several signs that you may have Ascites and should seek immediate medical attention.

Things You'll Need

• Mirror
• Thermometer

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Instructions

• 1

  Feel your stomach to note if it is swollen or distended. If you cannot feel that your stomach is bloated, which would be the first sign of abdominal swelling, then look at yourself in the mirror and note if there are significant changes in the size and feel of your stomach. Obviously there are many reasons why a stomach might be bloated or swollen, many of which are not medical emergencies. So what you are looking for is if your stomach is severely swollen, distended and round, or if your stomach looks swollen in connection with the feeling of extreme discomfort and bloating. These symptoms could be signs of Ascites.

• 2

  Take several deeps breaths. If you find it very difficult to breathe, in combination with stomach discomfort or swelling, then you may have Ascites.

• 3

  Measure your body temperature. If you have a fever, while also suffering from a swollen or distended stomach, or if you are having difficulties breathing, then you may be experiencing symptoms of Ascites, and should seek medical attention.

• 4

  Visit a doctor who will either perform an ultrasound on your abdomen or draw fluid from your stomach and run a test on that fluid to determine whether you have Ascites. There is no way of confirming whether you have Ascites until your doctor tests the fluid buildup that is causing the bloating, breathing difficulties and fever.