Abdominal ascites is a disease that manifests itself in the accumulation of free fluid. The fact is that the abdominal cavity inside is covered with a two-layer peritoneum. As a result of various deviations between the two layers of this structure, a gradual accumulation of a large volume of liquid begins, which in its content is very similar to blood plasma.
Abdominal ascites: causes of the disease .
In most cases, fluid begins to accumulate as a result of increased pressure in the portal system. This happens with liver diseases, including cirrhosis and various forms of hepatitis. In addition, abdominal ascites can result from trauma to the peritoneum, compression of the portal vein, as well as thrombosis and congestive cardiovascular failure.
Much less often, fluid accumulation occurs as a result of edematous syndrome in case of impaired renal function, or in violation of the water-salt balance.
Abdominal ascites: symptoms and possible complications .
As a rule, ascites begins acutely. A huge amount of fluid can accumulate inside the peritoneum - up to 20 liters. At the same time, a sick person begins to gain weight very quickly - in fact, it is just water.
The stomach of a sick person begins to grow rapidly. In a standing position, it hangs down strongly. If a person takes a horizontal position, then the stomach spreads, and the sides sag, resembling a frog’s stomach.
With the accumulation of fluid, compression of all the abdominal organs begins. As a result of this process, problems with the work of the heart appear, and blood flow is also difficult. In addition, the compressed organs begin to put pressure on the diaphragm. This greatly complicates respiratory movements and, in some cases, leads to the development of respiratory failure.
Sometimes, such patients can also develop protein deficiency. In fact, the amount of protein in the accumulated fluid is not so great, but with repeated punctures and pumping out the liquid, the likelihood of developing a protein deficiency increases significantly.
In addition, with ascites, the risk of peritoneal inflammation, peritonitis, is significantly increased. This is a very dangerous disease, which is accompanied by constant severe pain, even with the slightest movement or touching the stomach.
Ascites of the abdominal cavity: treatment and diagnosis .
Abdominal ascites can be detected only if at least a liter of fluid has already accumulated there. With large volumes of water, ascites is quite easy to detect when examining a patient. For example, the shape of the abdomen in different positions, protrusion of the navel, the formation of a vascular network around it - this is enough to confirm suspicions of ascites. In addition, when you tap on the patient’s stomach, a characteristic muffled sound is heard.
As for the treatment, first you need to determine the root cause of ascites. If you quickly get rid of the primary disease, then it is likely that this will stop the formation and accumulation of exudate. In some cases, single or multiple abdominal punctures are needed, during which the doctor pumps out fluid from the body.
Treatment of ascites folk remedies .
Countless recipes of traditional healers are known that can help alleviate the course of ascites. In this regard, ordinary parsley is a very effective remedy.
In order to prepare a decoction, take half a kilogram of parsley roots or a kilogram of greenery of this plant. Finely chop and pour into an enameled pan. Now fill the plant with three liters of fresh milk (do not buy store milk). Now cover the container and place in the oven. Let it all cook slowly for three hours. After the liquid has completely cooled, you need to strain it. Drink the drug a quarter cup four times a day. Preferably before meals. The course of treatment is seven weeks.