What is hepatic ascites, and can it be cured?

Nov 12, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, hepatic ascites may be caused by excessive alcohol consumption, hepatitis, portal vein thrombosis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other conditions. Generally speaking, it can be treated effectively. If symptoms of physical discomfort occur, timely medical attention is recommended. In daily life, patients with hepatic ascites should seek medical care as early as possible and undergo comprehensive examinations and treatment under the guidance of a physician. At the same time, patients should also maintain a positive mindset.

Generally speaking, hepatic ascites may be caused by excessive alcohol consumption, hepatitis, portal vein thrombosis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other conditions. If caused by excessive alcohol consumption, hepatitis, or portal vein thrombosis, it usually can be cured; however, if caused by cirrhosis or liver cancer, treatment might not be possible. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Causes

1. Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol and its metabolite acetaldehyde have direct toxic effects on liver cells, potentially damaging cellular organelles such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, leading to hepatic cell degeneration and necrosis, which can cause symptoms of hepatic ascites. In such cases, abstaining from alcohol may alleviate liver damage to some extent in certain patients.

2. Hepatitis: Hepatitis is an inflammatory response caused by hepatitis viruses. The inflammation can damage liver tissue, affecting its blood circulation and drainage function, leading to fluid retention in the body and resulting in symptoms of hepatic ascites. Treatment may involve the use of medications such as amoxicillin capsules, cefixime capsules, and levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, under a physician's guidance.

3. Portal Vein Thrombosis: Portal vein thrombosis is commonly caused by infection or portal hypertension. It can easily lead to slow portal blood flow, forming venous thrombosis, thereby affecting normal liver function, impairing fluid metabolism, and causing fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, resulting in hepatic ascites. Treatment may involve the use of medications such as warfarin sodium tablets, rivaroxaban tablets, and clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablets, as directed by a physician.

4. Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a pathological process of impaired liver function caused by long-term liver damage and fibrous tissue proliferation. Due to prolonged liver damage, blood circulation is obstructed, disrupting the hemodynamic balance and fluid-electrolyte balance of the liver, leading to fluid retention and the development of ascites. Treatment may involve the use of medications such as adefovir dipivoxil tablets, polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, and entecavir tablets, under a physician's guidance.

5. Liver Cancer: Liver cancer may be caused by long-term alcohol consumption, viral infection, or cirrhosis. It can occupy a large portion of the liver, obstructing normal blood circulation and leading to portal hypertension-induced ascites. Moreover, cancer cells can infiltrate the liver's lymphatic and vascular systems, discharging excessive lymph and blood into the abdominal cavity, resulting in fluid accumulation. Treatment may involve the use of medications such as sorafenib tablets, lenvatinib mesylate capsules, and gefitinib tablets, as directed by a physician.

II. Curability

Hepatic ascites is fluid accumulation in the body caused by liver diseases, typically resulting from impaired liver function leading to disturbances in circulation, protein synthesis, and fluid and electrolyte metabolism. Ascites caused by excessive alcohol consumption, hepatitis, or portal vein thrombosis can usually be cured because these conditions generally do not cause irreversible liver damage.

However, if ascites is caused by cirrhosis or liver cancer, it is often difficult to cure. Cirrhosis and liver cancer may lead to irreversible liver damage, and even with treatment, normal liver function cannot typically be restored.

In daily life, patients with hepatic ascites should seek medical attention promptly and undergo comprehensive examinations and treatment under a physician's guidance. Additionally, patients should maintain a positive mindset and cooperate with medical advice, which is beneficial for recovery.

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What does it mean to have ascites in the late stage of liver cirrhosis, and what should be done?

In general, late-stage cirrhosis with ascites may be caused by factors such as aging, malnutrition, viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and cardiogenic cirrhosis. It is important to maintain a balanced diet in daily life, increase intake of high-quality proteins such as lean meats, fish, and eggs, and avoid consuming spicy, greasy, or irritating foods.

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What are the complications of advanced cirrhosis with ascites?

In general, complications that may arise from advanced cirrhosis with ascites include electrolyte imbalance, infection, hepatorenal syndrome, bleeding from ruptured esophageal varices, and hepatic encephalopathy. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and follow the treatment guidance provided by their physicians. Additionally, in daily life, patients should pay attention to dietary management and maintain healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the burden on the liver.

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Is the abdomen hard or soft in hepatic ascites?

In general, the softness or firmness of the abdomen in cases of hepatic ascites should be assessed based on the severity and specific stage of the condition. It is important to avoid external impacts or pressure on the abdomen to prevent sudden increases in intra-abdominal pressure. Wear loose-fitting clothing to minimize abdominal constriction, closely monitor the degree of abdominal distension and any personal discomfort, and regularly record any changes.

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Can ascites due to liver disease be detected by ultrasound (B-ultrasound)?

In general, hepatic ascites refers to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity caused by liver disease. Whether B-ultrasound can detect hepatic ascites depends on the individual patient's specific condition. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. Before the examination, patients should fast or hold urine as instructed by the doctor to reduce interference from intestinal gas or urine on the results. If no ascites is detected on the initial B-ultrasound but symptoms such as abdominal distension or lower limb edema are present, further evaluation may be necessary.