Early symptoms of ascites in liver cirrhosis

The initial symptoms of cirrhotic ascites may be relatively insidious, but some common manifestations warrant attention. Patients may first experience mild abdominal discomfort, characterized by abdominal distension, a feeling of fullness, or mild pain, possibly due to early accumulation of ascitic fluid. As the condition progresses, patients may experience unexplained weight gain, along with gradually increasing abdominal girth and noticeable abdominal distension. Additionally, patients may exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms such as reduced appetite, nausea, and vomiting, as well as shortness of breath, which may result from ascites compressing the thoracic cavity. The aforementioned symptoms indicate possible progression of cirrhotic ascites, and patients should seek medical attention promptly for comprehensive evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.