What are the clinical manifestations of hepatic ascites?
Disease description:
Recently, I've been experiencing frequent abdominal bloating along with difficulty breathing. I suspect it might be ascites due to liver disease. Could you please tell me what the clinical manifestations of hepatic ascites are?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
The clinical manifestations of hepatic ascites mainly include the following aspects:
1. Abdominal symptoms: Changes in abdominal appearance, such as abdominal distension, which results from increased fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity. Abdominal bloating and pain are common; bloating may progressively worsen, and pain can be either persistent or intermittent.
2. Digestive system symptoms: Poor appetite and significant fatigue, with patients often experiencing tiredness and reduced food intake. Poor nutritional status may lead to weight loss and malnutrition.
3. Other symptoms: Edema in the lower limbs and dorsum of the feet, caused by abnormal fluid retention in the body. Dyspnea (shortness of breath) may occur when large amounts of ascites compress the diaphragm and restrict lung expansion. Fever may also be present, as some patients with hepatic ascites develop elevated body temperature exceeding 37.5°C.
