Symptoms:
Abdominal swelling, swelling of hands and feet, shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness are the usual clinical features of a patient with ascites. Infection, causing Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis is the main complication.
Tests to diagnose:
The W.B.C or the white blood cell count to determine the presence of infection.
Gram Stain can be helpful in gut perforation when multiple types of bacteria are seen
Treatment:
Ascites is treated depending on the underlying cause. A low-salt diet and diuretics are recommended in patients with cirrhosis. Tapping of the excess fluid is carried out while taking adequate precautions to prevent any complications. Some patients require liver transplantation. Patients with cancer may require chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery.