What is the meaning of ascites in medical terms?
What is the meaning of ascites in medical terms?
Key points Ascites is a condition in which fluid collects in spaces within your abdomen. As fluid collects in the abdomen, it can affect your lungs, kidneys, and other organs. Ascites causes abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, and other difficulties.
What is the medical term for fluid in the abdomen?
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia. Ascites is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Rapidly developing (acute) ascites can occur as a complication of trauma, perforated ulcer, appendicitis, or inflammation of the colon or other tube-shaped organ (diverticulitis).
What tests are used to diagnose ascites?
A sample of fluid from your abdomen may be taken using a needle. This fluid will be checked for signs of disease, such as cancer or an infection. This test may help point to the cause of the ascites. Imaging. Your healthcare provider may request images of the inside of your abdomen using ultrasound, MRI, or a CT scan.
What are the treatment options for massive ascites?
Large-volume paracentesis is also the preferred treatment for massive ascites. Diuretics are sometimes used to prevent new fluid accumulations, and the procedure may be repeated periodically. Dietary alterations, focused on reducing salt intake, should be a part of the treatment.
How much fluid is removed from the abdomen with ascites?
In some instances, a person’s abdomen might contain about 5 liters of fluid, but in some extreme cases of ascites, doctors have drained more than 10 liters of fluid from the abdomen. When ascites is caused by cancer, doctors may use a shunt (tube) to move the fluid from the abdomen into the bloodstream.
Can ascites make you feel unwell?
Fluid build-up should always be reported to your doctor who may recommend a change in treatment or drainage of the fluid. The other way that ascites can affect you is because of the complications from the actual condition. These include: Infection within the fluid. This can cause fever, confusion and make people feel very unwell.
What research is being done to improve our understanding of ascites?
In addition, research into cirrhosis and spread of cancers will have an impact on what we know about controlling ascites. Guts UK’s vision is of a world where digestive diseases are better understood, better treated and where everyone who lives with one gets the support they need.
