Ask a doctor - What causes ascites?

Q. What causes ascites?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Ascites can be caused by various underlying medical conditions that disrupt the normal balance of fluid in the body. Some common causes include:

1. Liver Cirrhosis: The most frequent cause of ascites is cirrhosis of the liver, often resulting from chronic alcoholism or hepatitis. Cirrhosis leads to scarring of the liver tissue, impairing its function and causing fluid retention.

2. Heart Failure: Heart failure can lead to a decreased ability of the heart to pump blood effectively, causing fluid to accumulate in the abdomen.

3. Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function can lead to salt and water retention, contributing to the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

4. Cancer: Certain cancers, especially those affecting the abdominal organs such as the liver, ovaries, or peritoneal lining, can lead to ascites.

5. Infections: Infections in the peritoneal cavity, such as peritonitis or tuberculosis, can cause inflammation and fluid buildup.

6. Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can lead to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.

7. Malnutrition: Severe protein malnutrition, as seen in some advanced liver diseases, can contribute to the development of ascites.

8. Congestive Splenomegaly: Conditions that cause increased pressure in the veins entering the liver (portal hypertension) can lead to ascites.

Understanding the specific cause of ascites is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Medical professionals may use various diagnostic tools, such as imaging studies, blood tests, and sometimes a procedure called paracentesis, to identify the underlying cause of ascites.