Ascites :
Ascites refers to the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, resulting in a swollen stomach. The presenting complaints of ascites include shortness of breath, back pain, fatigue, difficulty with movement or sitting, digestive problems like abdominal pain, indigestion, bloating and constipation. The primary cause of ascites is liver cirrhosis, and the other causes include kidney failure, congestive heart failure, abdominal and pelvic cancer and tuberculosis. The risk factors associated with ascites include alcohol use disorder, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, metabolic dysfunction- associated steatohepatitis (MASH), autoimmune hepatitis, genetic liver problems like Wilson disease, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and hemochromatosis. The management of ascites involves limiting sodium, taking diuretics, treating the underlying condition, paracentesis, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and a liver transplant. The complications that may arise if ascites is left untreated are chronic abdominal discomfort, infection, hepatic hydrothorax, ascites-related hernias and kidney failure, in severe cases.










