Ascites is a condition in which fluid collects in spaces within your abdomen. If severe, ascites may be painful. The problem may keep you from moving around comfortably. Ascites can set the stage for an infection in your abdomen. Fluid may also move into your chest and surround your lungs. This makes it hard to breathe.

SYMPTOMS

These are symptoms of ascites:

Swelling in the abdomen

Weight gain

Sense of fullness

Bloating

Sense of heaviness

Nausea or indigestion

Vomiting

Swelling in the lower legs

Shortness of breath

Hemorrhoids

The diagnosis of ascites best starts from the consultation with our gastroenterologist and liver specialist Dr Mayank Chugh at Asiaz Hospital, Gurgaon, Haryana.Dr Mayank Chugh may also advise tests such as:

Fluid sample - A sample of fluid from your abdomen may be taken by Dr Mayank Chugh at Gastro and Liver Clinic at Asiaz Hospital, Gurgaon using a needle. This fluid will be checked for signs of disease such as cancer or an infection. This test may help point to the cause of the ascites.

Imaging - Our gastroenterologist Dr Mayank Chugh may also advise an ultrasound, MRI, or a CT scan. An MRI creates images using a magnetic field and radiofrequency energy. A CT scan creates computerized images using X-rays.

Ultrasound is the cheapest and most easily available imaging modality for the diagnosis of Ascites. Ultrasound is also the best as well as a harmless investigation as it does not use any kind of radiation to form the image of the abdominal organs. Fluid is very well visualized on an Ultrasound investigation and therefore fluid collection inside the abdomen can be diagnosed on an ultrasound investigation. Normally the cost of Ultrasound is Rs. 2000 while that of CT Scan is Rs. 5-6 thousand. MRI is the most expensive of all these investigations and costs Rs. 7-8 thousand.

A number of steps may help ease your ascites. Our gastroenterologist Dr Mayank Chugh at Asiaz Hospital, Gurgaon, Haryana may advise you to:

Reduce your salt intake. Dr Chugh will also explai how to follow a low-sodium diet. Avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium. This is because some medicines used in treating ascites can cause your potassium levels to rise.

Reduce the amount of fluids you drink.

Stop drinking alcohol.

Take diuretic medicines to help reduce the fluid in your body.

In certain cases our gastroenterologist Dr Mayank Chugh may need to remove large amounts of fluid from your abdomen through a needle. This may be done if you have trouble breathing or the diuretic is not working.

In very complicated situations, you may need to have a special procedure in radiology called TIPS. In this procedure, a connection is made inside the liver between the blood vessels to ease the high pressure causing ascites.