What is Ascites?

Ascites is a buildup of fluid in your abdomen. It often occurs as a result of cirrhosis, a liver disease. Contact HexaHealth if you have Cirrhosis and notice quick and sudden weight gain. Treatment for Ascites depends on the amount of fluid collected and the frequency of the fluid build-up. In a few cases where the diet and medicines do not help then fluid needs to be drained via a needle inserted in your abdomen. This procedure is known as Ascites Tapping. Other procedures like Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and Liver Transplant may be recommended in case of excess abdominal fluid.

What are the symptoms of Ascites?

The main symptoms of ascites are a large belly and rapid weight gain.

Other symptoms include:

1. Sense of fullness
2. Bloating
3. Sense of heaviness
4. Nausea or indigestion
5. Vomiting
6. Swelling in the lower legs
7. Shortness of breath

Is Ascites the same as fat?

Ascites and fat move and feel different. A doctor may examine a person’s abdomen when lying down and standing. The shape of the abdomen may suggest that it contains fluid rather than fat.

A person with ascites may also have a distended abdomen, which is hard and swollen. They may also experience rapid changes in weight and body shape. These changes happen far more quickly than the rate at which a person typically gains body fat mass.