liver and gallbladder disorders
Ascites
Symptoms of Ascites
Small amounts of fluid within the abdomen usually cause no symptoms. Moderate amounts may increase the person's waist size and cause weight gain. Massive amounts may cause abdominal swelling (distention) and discomfort. The abdomen feels taut, and the navel is flat or even pushed out. The swollen abdomen puts pressure on the stomach, sometimes leading to loss of appetite, and pressure on the lungs, sometimes leading to shortness of breath. In some people with ascites, the ankles swell because excess fluid accumulates there (causing Swelling ). (infection of the ascitic fluid that develops for no apparent reason) sometimes occurs. This infection is common among people with ascites and Cirrhosis of the Liver , especially people who drink large amounts of alcohol. If spontaneous bacterial peritonitis develops, people usually have abdominal discomfort, and the abdomen may feel tender. People may have a fever and feel generally unwell. They may become confused, disoriented, and drowsy. Untreated, this infection can be fatal. Survival depends on early treatment with appropriate antibiotics. 