Ascites (abdominal dropsy) is a complication of various kinds of conditions and diseases.
Ascites fluid accumulation is shown within the abdominal cavity. As a result, increases the volume of the stomach, there are subjectively unpleasant symptoms and secondary disturbances in the abdominal cavity.
This condition requires urgent intervention of doctors, especially with the rapid accumulation of fluid.
Causes
The basis of ascites development always lies pathology, since normal operating conditions of the abdominal cavity are not intended to release a large amount of liquid.
Only a minor amount allocated in the peritoneum, bowel loops to slide freely relative to each other and do not stick together, forming adhesions. Then the liquid is sucked back.
When working properly, this mechanism suffers a function of fluid secretion and function of its reuptake. This leads to the formation of ascites, and the accumulation of excess fluid in the abdomen.
Causes of Ascites in adults
Often ascites is a typical symptom
portal hypertension, cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, Thrombosis of the hepatic veins.The process can occur when the blood cancer and blood diseases not tumoral nature, with heart diseases with blood circulation disorders and congestive heart failure.
Ascites can cause problems with the lymphatic circulation, problems with the thyroid gland and kidney.
symptoms of ascites
Symptoms of ascites largely depend on the cause, the amount of fluid and the rate of its formation.
The manifestations may increase gradually, and can occur suddenly, for several days or even hours.
When there is an increase of the abdomen ascites size and inability to fasten pants or belts, weight gain.
Arise bursting sensation of pain, heartburn and belching, nausea, bloating.
With increasing belly, he looks like a pregnant, with protrusion of the navel and skin tension. The upright belly droops, horizontally - flattens the sides, speaking from the edges.
With a large volume of the stomach causes severe shortness of breath with swelling of arms and legs could be impaired movement, difficult slopes.
Hemorrhoids can occur, hernia, Fall rectum, developing varicocele.
Depending on the cause appear as common symptoms of the disease -
- fever,
- effects of toxicity,
- weight loss, with increased abdominal volume,
- expansion of subcutaneous veins in the abdomen,
- cyanosis of the extremities.
On average, in the abdominal cavity may accumulate from 5 to 20 liters of liquid.
methods of diagnosis
Basis of diagnosis - indications of an increase in stomach related diseases. Also, the first data can be obtained by palpation of the abdomen and percussion - revealed typical symptoms.
must be met Abdominal ultrasound and large vessels, liver research, diagnostic laparoscopy and puncture the abdominal cavity (paracentesis) with fence fluid for analysis.
To elucidate the causes of ascites prescribed blood and urine tests, blood chemistry and immunological studies. Additionally, you may need chest x-ray and esophagoscopy esophagus.
Methods of treatment of ascites
Treatment of ascites involved physicians, surgeons and doctors of different specializations, depending on the cause, he was summoned.
appointed
- diet restriction of salt and fluid
- receiving diuretics (Lasix, veroshpiron) in combination with a potassium-containing preparations (asparkam).
If the cause of ascites - hypertension in the portal vein, the drugs used for its reduction, hepatoprotectors (Liv-52, Essentiale) introducing the plasma or albumin.
If the liquid volume is not reduced, is used paracentesis (puncture the abdominal wall and the removal of excess liquid).
With a large volume of fluid can not be removed at a time of more than 5 liters. If the liquid comes quickly establish peritoneal catheters, to avoid adhesions and peritoneal infection.
Course and prognosis
Ascites significantly complicates the underlying disease and is considered a poor prognostic sign.
Ascites can be complicated peritonitis, Bleeding, failure of the liver and spleen, brain lesion due to edema.
On average, the percentage of mortality of patients with severe ascites up to 50%.