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Ascites is most commonly caused by cirrhosis of the liver, which leads to portal hypertension and low albumin levels that allow fluid to leak into the abdominal cavity. Other causes include heart failure, kidney disease, tuberculosis, and certain cancers affecting the abdomen.

The most common symptoms are progressive abdominal swelling and a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the belly. As fluid accumulates, patients may also experience shortness of breath, reduced appetite, ankle swelling, and significant unintended weight gain.

A physician typically diagnoses ascites through a physical examination, looking for a distended abdomen and signs such as shifting dullness or a fluid wave. Confirmation is usually made with an abdominal ultrasound, which can detect even small amounts of fluid. Diagnostic paracentesis (removing a small sample of fluid) is often performed to determine the cause.

Yes. Most cases of ascites are managed medically with a low-sodium diet and diuretic medications such as spironolactone and furosemide. For patients who do not respond to medications (refractory ascites), procedures such as therapeutic paracentesis or a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) may be needed. Surgery is rarely the first approach.

Restricting sodium intake to less than 2,000 mg per day is one of the most important steps in managing ascites. Reducing sodium helps limit fluid retention and improves the effectiveness of diuretic medications. Your physician may also advise limiting fluid intake depending on your specific situation.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious infection of ascitic fluid that can occur in people with cirrhosis without any obvious source of infection. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, and worsening confusion. It is diagnosed by testing ascitic fluid and treated with intravenous antibiotics. Patients with a prior episode may need long-term antibiotic prophylaxis.

Doctronic uses an AI-powered evaluation to gather a thorough picture of your symptoms and health history. A licensed physician then reviews that information, confirms the assessment, and develops a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescriptions when clinically appropriate. The entire process is completed online for your convenience.

Yes. Doctronic's platform is HIPAA-compliant and all care is provided by licensed physicians whose work is doctor-reviewed and audited for quality. We serve adults 18 and older in any U.S. state, giving you access to professional medical care from wherever you are.