{"id":1566,"date":"2020-11-19T12:30:58","date_gmt":"2020-11-19T12:30:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.blog.kayawell.com\/?p=1566"},"modified":"2020-11-19T13:15:14","modified_gmt":"2020-11-19T13:15:14","slug":"ascites-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/ascites-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention","title":{"rendered":"Ascites- Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors and Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\r\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\r\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\r\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\r\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/ascites-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention\/#What_is_Ascites\" title=\"What is Ascites?\">What is Ascites?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/ascites-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention\/#Symptoms\" title=\"Symptoms\">Symptoms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/ascites-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention\/#When_to_call_your_doctor\" title=\"When to call your doctor\">When to call your doctor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/ascites-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention\/#Causes\" title=\"Causes\">Causes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/ascites-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention\/#Risk_factors\" title=\"Risk factors\">Risk factors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/ascites-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention\/#Natural_Ways_to_Manage_Symptoms\" title=\"Natural Ways to Manage Symptoms\">Natural Ways to Manage Symptoms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/ascites-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention\/#Complications\" title=\"Complications\">Complications<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/ascites-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention\/#Treatments\" title=\"Treatments\">Treatments<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/ascites-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-prevention\/#Prevention\" title=\"Prevention\">Prevention<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Ascites\"><\/span>What is Ascites?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ascites occurs when fluid accumulates in the\nabdomen. This buildup occurs between two layers of membranes that together form\nthe peritoneum, a smooth sac that contains the organs of the body. A small\nvolume of fluid is normal in the peritoneum cavity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Symptoms\"><\/span>Symptoms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ascites is generally followed by a feeling of\nfullness, a ballooning belly and a rapid increase in weight. Other symptoms\noften include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Shortness of breath<\/li><li>Nausea<\/li><li>Swelling in legs and ankles<\/li><li>Indigestion<\/li><li>Vomiting<\/li><li>Heartburn<\/li><li>Loss of appetite<\/li><li>Fever<\/li><li>Hernia<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a combination of these symptoms,\nsee your doctor. If you have ascites, this is also a symptom of liver failure,\nwhich happens with cirrhosis most frequently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_call_your_doctor\"><\/span>When to call your doctor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Symptoms of ascites may occur either\ngradually or abruptly, depending on the fluid buildup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Symptoms do not necessarily signify an\nemergency but if you encounter the following, you should talk to your doctor:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>A distended, or swollen, abdomen<\/li><li>Sudden weight gain<\/li><li>Difficulty breathing when lying down<\/li><li>Diminished appetite<\/li><li>Abdominal pain<\/li><li>Bloating<\/li><li>Nausea and vomiting<\/li><li>Heartburn<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Bear in mind that other conditions may be\ncausing ascites symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Causes\"><\/span>Causes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many underlying diseases, including tuberculosis,\nkidney disease, pancreatitis and an underactive thyroid, can be responsible for\ncausing ascites. However, ascites are primarily caused by heart failure,\ncirrhosis, and cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ascites may develop if cancer affects the:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Peritoneum<\/li><li>Liver<\/li><li>Lymphatic System<\/li><li>Ovaries<\/li><li>Breast<\/li><li>Bowel<\/li><li>Stomach<\/li><li>Pancreas<\/li><li>Lung<\/li><li>Womb<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Risk_factors\"><\/span>Risk factors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Common risk factors for ascites development\nare any diseases which can cause liver cirrhosis. These include hepatitis B,\nhepatitis C, and alcoholism\/alcohol abuse. Other diseases that lead to fluid\nbuildup are congestive heart failure and kidney failure. Cancers of organs in\nthe abdomen also may lead to ascites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Natural_Ways_to_Manage_Symptoms\"><\/span>Natural Ways to Manage Symptoms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Restrict\nSalt<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Salt restriction is associated with a lower\ndiuretic requirement, faster resolution of ascites and shorter hospitalization\nfor those with cirrhotic ascites, according to a randomized study from 1986\npublished in Gut. Half of the participants were given a low sodium diet of 21\nmmol per day and the other half was unrestricted on sodium intake. Both groups\nreceived diuretics. While this is an older study, the American College of\nGastroenterology states: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The most important step to treat ascites is to\nstrictly reduce salt intake,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d placing salt restriction at the top of the list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following a high blood pressure diet that\nfocuses on eating fresh vegetables and fruit, lean proteins and legumes,\nhealthy fats, sprouted whole grains, and organic dairy products, along with\nlimiting any excess salt in the diet may help relieve fluid retention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Eat More,\nSmaller Meals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If appetite is low, which is common for those\nwith ascites, try eating small meals four to seven times a day as recommended\nby the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Try a recipe for a high protein\nsmoothie and dive into a nutrient-dense high-protein Buddha bowl for dinner.\nSome individuals may benefit by obtaining protein from plant sources including\nnutritional yeast, ancient grains, vegetables, legumes and dairy products\ninstead of meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Avoid\nToxins and Chemicals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eat organic whenever possible as when the\nliver is damaged and not functioning optimally, it cannot properly detoxify and\nclear toxins from the blood. As it builds up, the toxins can move to the brain\ncausing a condition called hepatic encephalopathy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Complications\"><\/span>Complications <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Complications associated with ascites\ninclude:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Abdominal pain<\/li><li>Pleural effusion, or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153water on the lung\u00e2\u20ac\u009d; this can lead to\ndifficulty breathing<\/li><li>Hernias, such as inguinal hernias<\/li><li>Bacterial infections, such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis\n(sbp)<\/li><li>Hepatorenal syndrome, a rare type of progressive kidney failure<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Treatments\"><\/span>Treatments<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your doctor may prescribe \u00e2\u20ac\u0153water pills,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d also\ncalled diuretics, to help flush the extra fluid from your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two of the most common diuretics are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\nFurosemide (Lasix)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\nSpironolactone (Aldactone) <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They both help your kidneys remove more\nsodium and water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the change in diet and prescription\ndiuretics isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t effective or your symptoms are severe, your doctor may have to\nuse paracentesis to remove large amounts of excess fluid through a needle\ninserted into your abdomen. This procedure must be combined with a low-salt,\nlow-liquid diet; otherwise, the fluid will simply come back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If these treatments don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t work, you may need\nsurgery to place a shunt in your liver or replace it altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prevention\"><\/span>Prevention<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Weigh\nyourself daily<\/strong> Call your doctor if you gain more than 10 lbs (or more than 2 lbs\nper day on 3 consecutive days).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Limit the\namount of alcohol you drink:<\/strong> Better yet, do not drink any alcoholic\nbeverages at all. Reducing the amount of alcohol you drink reduces the risk of\ndeveloping ascites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Limit the\nuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):<\/strong> Ibuprofen,\naspirin, indomethacin, sulindac are examples of NSAIDs. These drugs affect the\nkidneys, causing water and salt to be retained by the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Follow\nguidelines for a low-salt diet:<\/strong> Recommended limits are 2,000 mg or less a\nday.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is Ascites? Ascites occurs when fluid accumulates in the abdomen. This buildup occurs between two layers of membranes that together form the peritoneum, a smooth sac that contains the organs of the body. A small volume of fluid is normal in the peritoneum cavity. Symptoms Ascites is generally followed by a feeling of fullness, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1569,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1566","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthcare"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1566","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1566"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1566\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1569"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1566"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1566"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1566"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}