Ascites in medicine 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 of the liver, circulatory disorders, oncology, as well as heart disease. In this article, we will look at the symptoms of ascites, as well as the main treatments. According to experts, such a disease can occur suddenly and consistently develop over just a few months, while being accompanied by flatulence and discomfort in the abdomen.
Ascites. Reasons
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 cause lies in a variety of heart problems, then the fluid, as a rule, accumulates both in the soft tissues themselves and in the cavity of the so-called "pericardial" sac. At the same time, patients often experience swelling of the face and even limbs.
Ascites symptoms and diagnosis
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First of all, doctors havepatients observe the strongest swelling of the abdomen with this disease. It is noteworthy that patients randomly discover one day that previously suitable clothes now do not fasten. Disturbances in the work of the intestines, regular swelling, discomfort - these are some more symptoms of ascites. When tapping on the abdomen, the doctor, as a rule, hears only a dull 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 detect the symptoms of ascites described in this article.
symptoms of ascites - If this diagnosis is suspected, the doctor prescribes a special ultrasound examination (mandatory) and the so-called "computed tomography". It is this kind of methods that actually allow us to find out the primary cause of the disease. In addition, further analysis is often required. This is the collection of ascitic fluid through a needle. Laboratory tests 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 bowel function, specialists remove asciticfluid through a small hole. 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 treated relatively quickly, 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. Stay he althy!
