Ascites – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Modern Treatment in Thane
Ascites refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.
It is not a disease by itself — it is a warning sign of an underlying health issue.
Early diagnosis and proper treatment are very important to prevent complications.
🔍 What Is Ascites?
Ascites occurs when fluid builds up between the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) and the internal organs.
This leads to:
- Abdominal swelling
- Heaviness
- Discomfort
- Breathing difficulty (in severe cases)
Ascites can be mild, moderate, or severe depending on the amount of fluid.
⚠️ Common Causes of Ascites
✔ 1. Liver-Related Causes (Most Common)
- Liver cirrhosis
- Hepatitis
- Fatty liver disease
- Alcohol-related liver damage
- Portal hypertension (increased pressure in liver vessels)
✔ 2. Kidney Problems
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Severe kidney failure
✔ 3. Heart Conditions
- Congestive heart failure
- Long-standing uncontrolled hypertension
✔ 4. Abdominal or Pelvic Infections
- Tuberculosis
- Bacterial infections
- Severe gastro-intestinal infection
✔ 5. Cancer-Related Causes
- Ovarian cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Colon cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Peritoneal carcinomatosis
✔ 6. Pancreatic Issues
- Pancreatitis
- Pancreatic duct leakage
🩺 Symptoms of Ascites
You may experience:
- Swollen or enlarged abdomen
- Feeling of fullness or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Indigestion
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Swelling in legs (edema)
- Tiredness or weakness
- Weight gain due to fluid
Severe ascites can restrict breathing and walking.
🧪 How Ascites Is Diagnosed
🔬 1. Physical Examination
Doctor checks for fluid waves, swelling, and tenderness.
🩸 2. Blood Tests
- Liver function tests
- Kidney function tests
- Infection markers
- Electrolytes
🧪 3. Ultrasound Abdomen
Confirms presence of fluid and detects liver/kidney abnormalities.
🧫 4. Ascitic Fluid Analysis
A small amount of fluid is removed with a thin needle to check for:
- Infection
- Cancer cells
- TB
- Protein levels
🖥 5. CT Scan (If Required)
Gives detailed evaluation of liver, pancreas, kidneys, intestines, and peritoneum.
💊 Treatment of Ascites
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
✔ 1. Medication
- Diuretics (to remove extra fluid)
- Albumin supplementation
- Antibiotics (if infection)
- Medicines for liver & kidney support
✔ 2. Lifestyle Modifications
- Low-salt diet
- Avoid alcohol completely
- High protein diet (unless kidney problem)
- Fluid restriction (if advised by doctor)
✔ 3. Procedures
🔹 Paracentesis
Removal of excess fluid through a small needle.
Provides immediate relief from discomfort and breathing difficulty.
🔹 Indwelling Catheter (for recurrent ascites)
In severe cases where fluid keeps coming back.
🔹 Surgery
If ascites is caused by:
- Cancer
- Hernia
- Ruptured appendix
- Pancreatic complications
🔹 Treatment for Root Cause
- Liver disease management
- TB treatment
- Heart failure management
- Cancer treatment
⚠️ When to Seek Urgent Medical Care
Seek immediate help if you experience:
- Rapid increase in abdominal size
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe abdominal pain
- High fever
- Vomiting
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Reduced urine output
These may indicate infection, bleeding, or organ failure.
👨⚕️ Why Consult Dr. Ankur Bhanushali for Ascites?
- Expert general & laparoscopic surgeon
- Accurate diagnosis with advanced imaging
- Skilled in paracentesis and abdominal procedures
- Comprehensive care for liver, kidney, GI & abdominal issues
- Emergency same-day treatment available
🏥 FULL CLINIC & HOSPITAL DETAILS
(UNCHANGED – EXACT FORMAT AS PROVIDED)
🏥 Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic
Shop No 4, Laxmi Krupa, Edulji Road, Charai, Thane West – 400602
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
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🏥 Aayush Multispecialty Hospital
👨⚕️ Dr. Ankur Bhanushali – General & Laparoscopic Surgeon
1st Floor, Marigold Apartment, Almeda Road, Panch Pakhdi, Thane West – 400602
🌐 https://drankurbhanushali.com
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📞 +91 86910 33033
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