Ask a doctor - What causes ascites without liver disease?

Q. What causes ascites without liver disease?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Ascites refers to the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, leading to swelling and discomfort. While liver disease is a common cause of ascites, there are several other conditions that can lead to its development:

1. Heart Failure: When the heart doesn't pump blood effectively, fluid can accumulate in the body, including the abdomen, leading to ascites. This is because the heart's inability to pump effectively causes increased pressure in the veins, leading to fluid leakage into the abdominal cavity.

2. Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function can result in decreased urine production, causing fluid retention in the body. This can lead to ascites as excess fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity.

3. Certain Cancers: Some cancers, such as ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and stomach cancer, can cause ascites. This occurs due to the production of fluids by the tumor or metastasis to the abdominal cavity, leading to fluid accumulation.

4. Infections: Infections such as tuberculosis or peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining) can cause ascites. In these cases, the infection leads to inflammation and fluid buildup in the abdomen.

5. Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, can cause ascites. This can happen due to the release of digestive enzymes that irritate the lining of the abdomen, leading to fluid accumulation.

6. Malnutrition: Severe malnutrition can lead to a condition called protein malnutrition or kwashiorkor, where there is a decrease in the level of protein in the blood. This can cause a decrease in the amount of protein in the blood, leading to fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites).

7. Hypothyroidism: When the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, it can lead to a condition called hypothyroidism. One of the symptoms of hypothyroidism is fluid retention, which can manifest as ascites.

8. Certain Medications: Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain antidepressants, and chemotherapy drugs, can cause fluid retention and contribute to the development of ascites.

It's essential to consult a healthcare professional if you're experiencing symptoms of ascites, as they can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Treatment for ascites typically involves addressing the underlying condition, managing symptoms, and sometimes draining excess fluid from the abdomen using a procedure called paracentesis.