Ask a doctor - What deficiency causes ascites?

Q. What deficiency causes ascites?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Ascites is a condition where fluid builds up in the abdomen, causing it to swell. There are several reasons why someone might develop ascites, and one of them is related to a deficiency in a protein called albumin.

Albumin is a protein made by the liver, and it plays a crucial role in regulating the amount of fluid in the body. When there's not enough albumin in the blood, a condition known as hypoalbuminemia, it can lead to fluid leaking from blood vessels into the abdominal cavity, causing ascites.

Several conditions can cause hypoalbuminemia, including:

1. Liver disease: Liver cirrhosis is the most common cause of ascites. Cirrhosis occurs when scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, impairing its function. This can lead to decreased production of albumin, contributing to fluid accumulation in the abdomen.

2. Malnutrition: Inadequate intake of protein, as well as certain vitamins and minerals, can lead to malnutrition. Since albumin is synthesized from protein, a lack of protein in the diet can result in hypoalbuminemia, potentially leading to ascites.

3. Kidney disease: Conditions that affect the kidneys' ability to filter waste products from the blood, such as nephrotic syndrome or chronic kidney disease, can also cause hypoalbuminemia. When the kidneys don't function properly, they may excrete too much albumin into the urine, reducing its concentration in the blood.

4. Protein-losing enteropathy: Some gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease, can damage the lining of the intestines, leading to the loss of proteins, including albumin, into the gastrointestinal tract. This loss contributes to hypoalbuminemia and may result in ascites.

5. Severe burns: Extensive burns can damage blood vessels and lead to the loss of fluid and proteins into the surrounding tissues, causing hypoalbuminemia and potentially resulting in ascites.

Treatment for ascites typically involves addressing the underlying cause, such as treating liver disease or improving nutritional status. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help remove excess fluid from the body or to prevent further fluid accumulation. Additionally, dietary changes may be recommended to ensure an adequate intake of protein and nutrients necessary for albumin production.