EXCESS ABDOMINAL FLUID HOW TO

Protein pull prevents water molecules from seeping out into surrounding tissues at capillary blood capillaries. Oncotic pressure typically holds water in the bloodstream. The peritoneal cavity may get irritated by this fluid.ĭue to liver conditions and a lack of protein production, ascites are usually caused by cirrhosis and an obstruction to blood flow via the scarred liver. Direct fluid leakage from cancer that has progressed to the peritoneum is possible, but other conditions cause the body’s water and salt levels to rise excessively. Ascites are used to describe an abnormally high volume of fluid in the peritoneal cavity during ultrasound imaging.Ī range of illnesses may cause ascites, and the causes of the fluid accumulation may vary from disease to disease. Women’s peritoneal cavity fluid levels may fluctuate by as much as 20 ml, or less than an ounce, throughout their menstrual cycle.

Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.The peritoneum is a protective membrane that surrounds the internal organs of the abdomen.If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.At the visit, write down the names of new medicines, treatments, or tests, and any new instructions your provider gives you.Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Ascites can’t be cured but lifestyle changes and treatments may decrease complications.Stopping all alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, not smoking, and limiting salt intake can help prevent cirrhosis or cancer that may lead to ascites.Ascites causes abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, and other difficulties.As fluid collects in the abdomen, it can affect your lungs, kidneys, and other organs.Ascites is a condition in which fluid collects in spaces within your abdomen.Also, weigh yourself daily and call your healthcare provider if you gain too much weight. You'll need to do this even if you're taking diuretic drugs to reduce fluid in your body. Do not use recreational drugs to decrease your chance of getting hepatitis.īe sure to follow your healthcare provider's advice for lowering your salt intake.Practice safe sex to decrease your chance of getting hepatitis.Can ascites be prevented?Ĭertain steps to help you avoid cirrhosis of the liver and cancer can prevent ascites. It can also cause umbilical or inguinal hernias. Ascites can lead to abdominal infections, which may cause kidney failure. In this procedure, a connection is made inside the liver between the blood vessels to ease the high pressure causing ascites.Īscites can make eating, drinking, and moving around difficult. In very complicated situations, you may need to have a special procedure in radiology called TIPS.This may be done if you have trouble breathing or the diuretic is not working.

In certain cases, your doctor may need to remove large amounts of fluid from your abdomen through a needle.

Take diuretic medicines to help reduce the fluid in your body.

Cut back on the amount of fluids you drink.

This is because some medicines used in treating ascites can cause your potassium levels to rise. Avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium.

EXCESS ABDOMINAL FLUID HOW TO

Your healthcare provider or a dietitian can show you how to follow a low-sodium diet. Your healthcare provider may tell you to: A CT scan creates computerized images using X-rays.Ī number of steps may help ease your ascites. An MRI creates images using a magnetic field and radiofrequency energy. Your healthcare provider may request images of the inside of your abdomen using ultrasound, MRI, or a CT scan. This test may help point to the cause of the ascites. This fluid will be checked for signs of disease, such as cancer or an infection. Fluid sample. A sample of fluid from your abdomen may be taken using a needle.Your healthcare provider will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. Ascites may also be caused by other problems such as heart conditions, dialysis, low protein levels, and infection. Ascites caused by cancer most often occur with advanced or recurrent cancer. Drinking too much alcohol is one of the most common causes of cirrhosis of the liver.ĭifferent types of cancer can also cause this condition. The most common cause of ascites is cirrhosis of the liver.

Fluid may also move into your chest and surround your lungs. Ascites can set the stage for an infection in your abdomen. The problem may keep you from moving around comfortably. Ascites is a condition in which fluid collects in spaces within your abdomen.

Excess abdominal fluid