Health Encyclopedia

Ascites

Definition

Ascites is excess fluid in the space between the tissues lining the abdomen and abdominal organs (the peritoneal cavity).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Ascites is typically caused by liver disease. Disorders that may be associated with ascites include:

Cirrhosis
Hepatitis
Portal vein thrombosis (clots in the veins of the liver)
Constrictive pericarditis
Congestive heart failure
Liver cancer
Ovarian cancer
Protein-losing enteropathy
Nephrotic syndrome
Pancreatitis

Treatment

Treatment may include medicines called diuretics, which help remove the fluid, and antibiotics, if infection develops.

Calling your health care provider

Anyone who has ascites and develops new abdominal pain and fever should contact their health care provider immediately.

Review Date:10/26/2006
Reviewed By:Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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