Ascites is the build-up of fluid in the space between the lining of the abdomen and abdominal organs.
Portal hypertension - ascites; Cirrhosis - ascites; Liver failure - ascites; Alcohol use - ascites; End-stage liver disease - ascites; ESLD - ascites
Ascites results from high pressure in the blood vessels of the liver (portal hypertension) and low levels of a protein called albumin.
Diseases that can cause severe liver damage can lead to ascites. These include:
People with certain cancers in the abdomen may develop ascites. These include cancer of the appendix, colon, ovaries, uterus, pancreas, and liver.
Other conditions that can cause this problem include:
Kidney dialysis may also be linked to ascites.
Symptoms may develop slowly or suddenly depending on the cause of ascites. You may have no symptoms if there is only a small amount of fluid in the belly.
As more fluid collects, you may have abdominal pain and bloating. Large amounts of fluid can cause shortness of breath.
Many other symptoms of liver failure may also be present.
The condition that causes ascites will be treated, if possible.
Treatments for fluid build-up may include lifestyle changes:
You may also get medicines from your doctor, including:
Other things you can do to help take care of your liver disease are:
Procedures that you may have are:
People with end-stage liver disease may need a liver transplant.
If you have cirrhosis, avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). Acetaminophen should be taken in reduced doses.
Complications may include:
If you have ascites, call your health care provider right away if you have:
Garcia-Tsao G. Cirrhosis and its sequelae. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 153.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Cirrhosis. www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/cirrhosis/all-content. Updated March 2018. Accessed August 19, 2018.
Runyon BA. Ascites and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 93.
Zenlea T, George PF. Ascites. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2019. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018: 138-141.e2.