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Discovering the early signs of ascites: What are the symptoms that should not be ignored?
Ascites is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and is prevalent in a variety of health conditions. According to medical definition, when there is more than 25 ml of fluid in the abdominal cavity, it is considered as ascites. Although in some cases, up to 1 liter or more of fluid may accumulate. Symptoms of the condition vary and include increase in abdominal size, weight gain, abdominal discomfort, and difficulty breathing. Among the potential complications of ascites, the most common is spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. In developed countries, cirrhosis is the most common cause of ascites, but many other factors such as cancer, heart failure, tuberculosis, pancreatitis and portal vein obstruction are also important causes of ascites.
Ascites is a medical condition that should be taken seriously due to its potential severity and impact on the patient's overall health.
Signs and symptoms of ascites
Mild ascites is often difficult to detect, but as the disease progresses, the abdomen will become noticeably distended. People with ascites usually feel a heavy feeling in the abdomen and shortness of breath due to abdominal distension. To detect ascites, doctors will confirm it through a physical examination of the abdomen, such as checking for bulges on both sides of the abdomen when lying down, or checking for shifting dullness when turning over.
Other manifestations of ascites may be related to the underlying disease, and patients may report leg swelling, bruising, gynecomastia, vomiting blood, or mental changes due to encephalopathy. If ascites is caused by cancer, you may have persistent fatigue or weight loss. If caused by heart failure, possible symptoms may also include shortness of breath, wheezing, and poor exercise tolerance.
"Early detection of ascites symptoms can help improve treatment efficiency and patient prognosis."
Causes of Ascites
The causes of ascites can be divided into two categories: high serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG, transudate) and low SAAG (exudate). The vast majority of cases of ascites are caused by cirrhosis of the liver. This includes alcoholic cirrhosis, viral cirrhosis, and cirrhosis of unknown cause. In addition, medicine also includes other problems such as heart failure and hepatic vein obstruction. In contrast, ascites with low SAAG is often associated with cancer, tuberculous infection, and local inflammation.
Diagnostic Methods
Ascites is usually diagnosed through a physical examination and imaging tests, including ultrasound or computerized tomography (CT). Patients with ascites usually undergo a diagnostic paracentesis to measure the chemical composition of the ascitic fluid in order to fully understand the cause of the ascites.
"Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve the quality of life of patients with ascites."
Treatment options
For the treatment of ascites, the cause should be determined first, and then targeted treatment should be carried out. Whether it is mild ascites or severe ascites that progresses to the point of requiring hospitalization, the basic goal of treatment is to promote fluid drainage and improve the patient's quality of life.
Common treatments include dietary changes (such as salt restriction), diuretics, and, if necessary, abdominal paracentesis.
Future Outlook
With the advancement of medicine, the diagnosis and treatment of ascites are also constantly improving. If the signs of ascites can be detected early, it will help improve the patient's chances of recovery. However, the popularization and promotion of knowledge is still an urgent problem to be solved in today's society. Faced with these challenges, how can we better identify the early signs of ascites to protect our health?
