What to do if ascites develops
Disease description:
Feeling abdominal distension accompanied by pain, and after examination, ascites was detected. I would like to ask, what should be done if ascites occurs?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Ascites refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Common management approaches include:
1. Seek immediate medical attention: Ascites may be a clinical manifestation of various serious diseases, such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, kidney disease, or intra-abdominal infections. Therefore, once ascites is detected, prompt medical evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause.
2. Treat the underlying cause: Based on diagnostic findings, treatment should target the primary condition responsible for ascites. For example, for ascites caused by cirrhosis, liver-protective measures, albumin supplementation, and diuretics may be used; for ascites due to kidney disease, dialysis may be required.
3. Symptomatic treatment: While addressing the underlying cause, symptomatic management is also necessary to relieve ascites-related symptoms. Common symptomatic treatments include restricting fluid and sodium intake, using diuretics such as furosemide and spironolactone to promote excretion of water and sodium. For patients experiencing respiratory distress due to excessive ascites, paracentesis may be considered to reduce intra-abdominal pressure.
4. Nutritional support: Supplementing albumin can help maintain plasma colloid osmotic pressure, reduce ascites formation, and provide adequate calories and protein to improve the patient's nutritional status.
