Treatment, causes and symptoms of ascites

In medicine, ascites is understood as a disease in which a certain accumulation of fluid is observed in the abdominal cavity . Such an ailment can develop due to cirrhosis, circulatory disorders, oncology, as well as heart disease. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of ascites, as well as the main treatment methods. According to experts, such a disease can occur suddenly and sequentially develop within literally several months, while being accompanied by flatulence and discomfort in the abdomen.

Ascites. Causes

As noted above, this kind of ailment can be caused by a variety of pathological processes in the body (for example, tumors, cirrhosis of the liver, peritoneal tuberculosis , etc.). If the reason lies in a variety of problems with the heart, then the liquid, as a rule, accumulates both in the soft tissues themselves and in the cavity of the so-called “pericardial” bag. In this case, patients often have swelling of the face and even limbs.

Symptoms of ascites and diagnosis

• First of all, doctors in patients observe severe swelling of the abdomen with this ailment. It is noteworthy that patients randomly discover one fine day that previously suitable clothing now does not fasten. Disorders in the intestines, regular bloating, discomfort - these are some of the symptoms of ascites. When tapping the abdomen, the doctor, as a rule, hears only a muffled sound. Note that with a large accumulation of fluid in the cavity, the abdomen becomes tight, and the navel is completely smoothed out. On the other hand, if it is extremely small, the specialist may not find the symptoms of ascites described in this article.
  
  
• If this diagnosis is suspected, the doctor prescribes a special ultrasound examination (without fail) and the so-called "computed tomography". It is precisely these types of methods that in fact make it possible to find out the primary cause of the disease. In addition, another analysis is often required. This is an ascitic fluid intake through a needle. Laboratory analyzes of this substance also allow you to establish the cause of the disease and determine the presence of infectious processes in the body. This kind of research method is called "paracentesis."

Recommended treatment

Of course, in order to resolve this problem, the doctor must first of all identify the cause that led to the development of the disease. After that, it is eliminated. In order to normalize the intestines, specialists remove ascitic fluid through a small puncture. In the presence of infectious processes, the doctor, as a rule, prescribes a course of antibiotics to prevent the further development of such an ailment as ascites. This disease, in general, is relatively quickly treated, thanks to the use of modern medical advances. Note that the greatest effectiveness in therapy and quick results can be achieved if the diagnosis is made at the earliest possible date. Be healthy!