ascites The accumulation of excessive fluid in the peritoneal cavity, known as ascites, is commonly referred to as abdominal fluid. When an excess of fluid accumulates within tissue interstitial spaces or body cavities, it is termed edema. If edema occurs within a body cavity, it is referred to as effusion. In the case of effusion within the peritoneal cavity, it is termed ascites. Under normal circumstances, a small amount of fluid (usually less than 200ml) is present in the human peritoneal cavity, providing lubrication for intestinal motility. Any pathological condition leading to an increase in the volume of fluid within the peritoneal cavity, exceeding 200ml, is diagnosed as ascites.

Abdominal fluid accumulation is commonly referred to as ascites. When an excessive amount of fluid accumulates in the interstitial spaces or body cavities, it is referred to as edema. If the edema occurs within a body cavity, it is called effusion. When effusion occurs in the abdominal cavity, it is termed as abdominal fluid accumulation. Under normal conditions, there is a small amount of fluid in the human abdominal cavity (generally less than 200ml), which lubricates the intestinal peristalsis. Any pathology leading to an increase in the volume of fluid within the abdominal cavity beyond 200ml is termed as abdominal fluid accumulation.

Common causes include liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, peritoneal carcinomatosis (commonly associated with liver and ovarian cancer), nephrotic syndrome, pancreatic ascites or tuberculous peritonitis, and certain cardiovascular diseases such as chronic right heart failure. Clinically, it presents as diffuse abdominal distension along with symptoms corresponding to the underlying primary disease.

Based on the protein content of the fluid, effusions are classified as transudative or exudative, leading to the categorization of abdominal fluid accumulation as transudative, exudative, or hemorrhagic.

Transudative abdominal fluid accumulation

Examples include ascites in liver cirrhosis, renal ascites, malnutrition-related ascites, and cardiac ascites.

Exudative abdominal fluid accumulation

Examples include spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, secondary peritonitis (carcinomatous ascites), tuberculous peritonitis, and pancreatic ascites.

Hemorrhagic abdominal fluid accumulation

Commonly seen in acute portal vein thrombosis, rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma nodules, traumatic liver rupture, ruptured hepatic artery aneurysm, and ectopic pregnancy.

Peritoneal diseases

Such as exudative tuberculous peritonitis, acute pancreatitis with accompanying peritonitis, schistosomal peritonitis, disseminated lupus erythematosus peritonitis, cholesterol peritonitis, granulomatous peritonitis, and peritoneal carcinomatosis (commonly associated with liver, ovarian, and gastric cancer).

Liver diseases

Such as viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver tumors, and hepatic vascular diseases (portal vein thrombosis, inferior vena cava obstruction syndrome, etc.).

Kidney diseases

Such as chronic glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, etc.

Nutritional ascites

Due to prolonged malnutrition leading to hypoalbuminemia, etc.

Cardiovascular diseases

Such as chronic congestive right heart failure, etc.

It is advisable to consume high-calorie, high-protein, and vitamin-rich easily digestible foods.

Follow a low-sodium or salt-free diet, and if necessary, restrict or avoid protein intake, abstain from alcohol, and avoid consuming rough, hard foods.

Quit smoking and alcohol: Unhealthy habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption can easily damage liver function.

Ensure adequate sleep.

Engage in moderate exercise to improve physical fitness.

In the event of an acute peritonitis, immediate emergency medical attention is required.

If the abdominal fluid accumulation increases compared to previous levels and the condition worsens, immediate medical attention should be sought to adjust the treatment plan.