What causes ascites (abdominal fluid accumulation)?
Mar 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, abdominal effusion is caused by factors such as the female menstrual cycle, increased peritoneal permeability, intra-abdominal infection, pericarditis, hepatitis, and others. The appropriate treatment must be selected based on the specific underlying cause. During the treatment process, it is important to follow medical advice, take prescribed medications on time, and pay attention to adjusting lifestyle habits and dietary patterns to promote recovery.
Generally, abdominal effusion (ascites) is caused by factors such as a woman's menstrual period, increased peritoneal permeability, intra-abdominal infection, pericarditis, hepatitis, and other reasons. The treatment approach depends on the specific cause, and prompt medical attention is advised, following the doctor's instructions. Details are as follows:
1. Menstrual Period in Women: During menstruation, due to pelvic congestion and changes in hormone levels, the permeability of blood vessels within the pelvis may increase, allowing small amounts of fluid to seep out and accumulate in the abdominal cavity. This is a normal physiological phenomenon and does not require special treatment; observation is sufficient.
2. Increased Peritoneal Permeability: In some cases, such as when the peritoneum experiences mild inflammation or physical irritation, its permeability might increase, making capillaries in the abdominal cavity more prone to fluid leakage, thus forming effusion. Observation is sufficient in most cases, and abdominal puncture and fluid drainage may be performed if necessary to relieve symptoms.
3. Intra-abdominal Infection: Infections within the abdominal cavity can cause peritoneal congestion, edema, and increased exudate production. This exudate accumulates in the abdominal cavity, forming abdominal effusion, often accompanied by abdominal pain. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medications such as Cefixime Capsules, Metronidazole Tablets, and Levofloxacin Hydrochloride Capsules should be used according to medical advice.
4. Pericarditis: Pericarditis can lead to systemic venous congestion and elevated venous pressure. This makes capillaries in the abdominal cavity more prone to fluid leakage, resulting in effusion, which may also be accompanied by palpitations. Anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen Tablets, Paracetamol Tablets, and Indomethacin Tablets may be used under a doctor's guidance.
5. Hepatitis: Hepatitis can cause impaired liver function and reduced albumin synthesis, leading to decreased plasma colloid osmotic pressure and easier leakage of intravascular fluid into the abdominal cavity, forming ascites, which may also be accompanied by jaundice. Anti-inflammatory and antiviral medications such as Amoxicillin Capsules, Entecavir Tablets, and Ribavirin Dispersible Tablets may be used according to medical instructions.
During treatment, it is important to follow medical advice, take medications on time, and adjust lifestyle and dietary habits to promote recovery.
References:
[1] Ge Junbo, Xu Yongjian, Wang Chen. Internal Medicine [M]. 9th Edition. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2018.
[2] Li Zhaoshen, Qian Jiaming. Advanced Tutorial in Gastroenterology [M]. Beijing: People's Military Medical Press, 2015.
