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Ascites Specialist in Knoxville, TN

Ascites Symptoms:
Back Pain
Change in Bowel Function
Weight Gain
Fatigue
Shortness of Breath
What is Ascites?

Ascites is a condition that results in the accumulation of fluid within the abdominal cavity. This is often due to underlying liver disease but can be due to other causes, such as heart failure, underlying cancer, malnutrition, and intra-abdominal infections.

What are the symptoms of ascites?

In the early stages, ascites may only present as abdominal fullness or bloating, often in the setting of weight gain. As it progresses, however, there is an increase in the amount of abdominal distention and abdominal pain. Other symptoms may occur, including:

  • Back pain
  • Change in bowel function
  • Weight gain
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath

Lower extremity swelling and accumulation of fluid in the lungs are also associated conditions of ascites.

How is Ascites diagnosed?

Ascites is typically diagnosed radiographically with either ultrasound or CT scan. Physical examination may suggest a diagnosis of ascites by finding a distended abdomen with flank dullness, and a fluid wave.

Flank dullness is assessed by performing a series of resonance tests in which Dr. Edmunds taps the abdomen and listens to the sound to evaluate whether there is a significant level of fluid within the abdominal cavity.

A fluid wave is another manual test which Dr. Edmunds carries out to see if fluid in the abdomen is at a high enough level to transfer sound waves from one side of the abdomen to the other.

How is Ascites treated?

Typically, ascites is first treated by restricting patients to a low-sodium diet, as well as a decrease in overall daily fluid consumption. If this doesn’t work, then medication can be added to help the patient pass extra fluid from their body through urine.

If the ascites doesn’t resolve, then a small needle can be placed in the abdomen after local anesthetics, and the fluid can be withdrawn, thereby relieving some of the patient’s symptoms. This procedure is called paracentesis, which can also help with diagnosing the cause of the ascites and help assess for underlying abdominal infection and cancer.

If you have a swollen abdomen or any other symptoms of ascites, call Edmunds Gastroenterology, or book an appointment online.

To arrange a consultation where you can discuss any symptoms of Ascites, call Edmunds Gastroenterology today.