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The secret connection between liver cirrhosis and ascites: Do you know the true relationship between them?
Ascites, defined as an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, can mean that the body is facing a serious health problem. In many cases, such conditions are closely associated with cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis, whether due to alcoholism, viral infection, or other causes, can cause difficulty in blood flow, leading to the formation of ascites. This article will explore the root causes of ascites, its symptoms, diagnostic methods, and its treatment options, and delve into the relationship between cirrhosis and ascites.
Statistically, more than half of patients with cirrhosis will develop ascites within ten years of diagnosis, and of these patients, nearly half will die within three years.
Case analysis of ascites
Ascites looks through different eyes in terms of severity. Mild ascites is usually not noticeable, but when the condition worsens, the abdomen will swell and the patient will feel obvious discomfort. Symptomatically, patients usually experience a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen and chest tightness, which is mainly due to the accumulation of fluid affecting the operation of the diaphragm. At this time, the detection of ascites can be achieved through the doctor's physiological examination, such as the abdominal bulge visible in the lying position, or the "fluid thrill" phenomenon.
The formation of liver cirrhosis and ascites
The main reason why cirrhosis causes ascites is that the blood flow in the liver is blocked, which in turn causes high pressure in the portal venous system. It is this high pressure that causes fluid to seep from the blood into the abdominal cavity. In addition, patients with cirrhosis often have worsening kidney health, which can further catalyze the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Furthermore, when the formation of ascites becomes more severe, it may lead to complications such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis because the concentration of the fluid affects the body's antibacterial ability.
During the diagnosis of ascites, doctors will perform routine blood tests, including liver function tests and blood coagulation indexes, and often recommend a lumbar puncture to analyze the fluid in new or hospitalized patients.
How to diagnose ascites?
In cases where ascites is confirmed, a complete blood count and metabolic analysis are usually performed at the time of diagnosis. Subsequently, if the patient has a new episode or is hospitalized, the doctor may recommend paracentesis to extract a sample of ascites fluid for further analysis. Examination of the fluid can show its appearance, protein content and cell count, helping doctors determine the underlying cause of ascites.
Treatment options and their effects
For the treatment of ascites, the basic goals are to relieve symptoms and prevent the occurrence of complications. In patients with mild ascites, outpatient treatment, including a low-sodium diet and diuretics, is usually available. Patients with severe ascites may need to be hospitalized for lumbar puncture and further medical intervention.
During the treatment process, doctors will also consider the renal function status of these patients to select appropriate diuretics.
Future treatment trends
Because traditional treatments cannot effectively solve the problem of ascites in the long term, the medical community is actively exploring other methods for patients who do not respond to diuretics. For example, technologies such as transcatheter intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and liver transplantation have begun to be adopted. Although these methods can reduce symptoms, they are also accompanied by many risks and complications, so treatment decisions need to be carefully considered.
In general, the relationship between liver cirrhosis and ascites is complex and close, and almost every patient with liver cirrhosis may face the problem of ascites. After understanding the formation, diagnosis and treatment of ascites, have you begun to reflect on your health status and examine whether you need further medical consultation?
