10 Ascites Symptoms

By adr.ian

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. What Is Ascites? 'What Is Ascites (Fluid in the Abdomen)? '| Coping Physically | Cancer Research UK, 26 Apr. 2021, www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/fluid-abdomen-ascites/about
• 2. 'Causes. Stanford Health Care (SHC) - Stanford Medical Center, 5 June 2019, stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/digestion-and-metabolic-health/chronic-nausea/causes.html
• 3. 'Sodium Bicarbonate (Oral Route, Intravenous Route, Subcutaneous Route) Side Effects.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 1 Mar. 2021,
• 4. 'Over-the-Counter Laxatives for Constipation:' Use with Caution. Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 June 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/in-depth/laxatives/art-20045906
• 5. 'Why Do We Use the Combination of Furosemide and Spironolactone in the Treatment of Cirrhotic Ascites?' Liver Fellow Networks RSS, liverfellow.org/post/diuretics-ascites

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Ascites is the abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Cirrhosis of the liver, which can develop after long periods of alcohol abuse, and heart failure are common causes of ascites. Various cancers can also cause the condition including ovarian, pancreatic, liver and colon cancer.

Cancer cells can sometimes irritate the lining of the abdomen, the peritoneum, resulting in a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. This is one reason some people with cancer develop ascites. Kidney failure is a possibility for anyone with ascites as the condition can sometimes lead to abdominal infections. Among other ascites symptoms, individuals may experience difficulty eating and drinking.

Abdominal Pain

Because ascites cause a buildup of fluid in the abdomen, the pain experienced is predominantly in that area. The discomfort that a person encounters is due to the fluid retention exerting pressure on internal organs.¹What Is Ascites? ‘What Is Ascites (Fluid in the Abdomen)? ‘| Coping Physically | Cancer Research UK, 26 Apr. 2021, www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/fluid-abdomen-ascites/about

The fluid causes the abdomen to swell, making it feel tight and uncomfortable, and visibly larger when a lot of fluid builds up. This abdominal pain may make it difficult for someone to sit down or move around freely. Certain lifestyle changes may help reduce the pain associated with ascites, including reducing salt intake, cutting back on fluids and abstaining from alcohol.