$Unique_ID{BRK01342}
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$Title{What Causes Ascites?}
$Subject{fluid abdomen ascites ill defined symptoms symptom fluids abdominal
liver disease cirrhosis portal hypertension peritonitis paracentesis ascitic
diseases cirrhoses}
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Cirrhosis of the Liver*0009700.tid
Normal, Fatty, and Cirrhotic Livers*0009701.scf
What Causes Cirrhosis of the Liver*0009702.scf
Symptoms of Cirrhosis of the Liver*0009703.scf
Ascites*0015701.scf
Diseases of the Liver*0016101.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Causes Ascites?


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QUESTION:  A letter from a dear but distant friend tells of an illness that
causes fluid to collect in his abdomen.  We don't want to say anything out of
place in our letters to him, but need to know more about this condition so we
may be sensitive in what we write.  Can you help us understand the causes of
this condition?

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ANSWER:  Fluid in the abdomen is called "ascites," and it can be a symptom of
several disorders, many of them quite serious.  It is a problem that should
not be ignored by patient or physician, because it is a symptom of severe
illness, and is often just one of many problems that may be caused by the
disease process.
     The most common cause for ascites is liver disease.  Cirrhosis and
"portal hypertension," another disorder often associated with cirrhosis, are
often the problems that provoke ascites.  The fluid in the abdomen itself can
cause problems that range from peritonitis to breathing difficulty.
     Ascites is usually treated with hospitalization and bed rest, although
the benefits of this conservative therapy have not been totally proven.
Because ascites is often a problem experienced by alcoholics who have diseased
livers, the hospitalization's benefits may be that alcohol consumption is
interrupted long enough for the ascites to resolve itself.  A low sodium, high
protein diet also helps, along with diuretics.  Diuretics are powerful but
useful drugs; their use is monitored very carefully, and they are only
administered under the direction of a physician.  Persons with ascites often
have other problems, such as kidney or heart disease; it is important that
they be watched carefully as they are treated with diuretics.
     Now that effective diuretics are available, most ascites can be treated
in this manner.  Occasionally, however, the fluid will have to be withdrawn
from the abdomen through a needle.  In severe cases, a shunt can be inserted
to drain fluid, but this procedure is not one without complications of
infection and shunt malfunction.
     It is important to remember that ascites is a symptom, not a problem in
itself.  The best way to deal with the ascites is to treat the underlying
problem, which is usually a disease that affects the liver.
     Your concern is certainly understandable, and in my opinion, a phone call
to your friend is in order which may yield both the answers you wish, as well
as display your apparent concern.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.