Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Ascites history and symptoms
Introduction
Overview
Overview
The hallmark of ascites is abdominal distention. A positive history of cirrhosis and liver failure is suggestive of ascites. The most common symptoms of ascites include abdominal discomfort, shortness of breath, and weight gain.
History
History
- The hallmark of ascites is abdominal distention. A positive history of cirrhosis and liver failure is suggestive of ascites. The most common symptoms of ascites include abdominal discomfort, shortness of breath, and weight gain.[1]
History
Patients with ascites may have a positive history of:[2]
- Acute liver failure
- Hepatic failure
- Hepatorenal syndrome
- Liver fibrosis
- Liver cirrhosis
- Budd-Chiari syndrome
- Cancer
- Cirrhosis
- Constrictive pericarditis
- Heart failure
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Pancreatitis
- Serositis
- Tuberculosis
Common Symptoms
Common symptoms of ascites include:[3]
- Abdominal distension
- Abdominal discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Weight gain
- Early satiety
- Confusion
- Hematemesis
Less Common Symptoms
References
References
- ↑ Aalami OO, Allen DB, Organ CH (2000). “Chylous ascites: a collective review”. Surgery. 128 (5): 761–78. doi:10.1067/msy.2000.109502. PMID 11056439.
- ↑ Browse NL, Wilson NM, Russo F, al-Hassan H, Allen DR (1992). “Aetiology and treatment of chylous ascites”. Br J Surg. 79 (11): 1145–50. PMID 1467885.
- ↑ Steinemann DC, Dindo D, Clavien PA, Nocito A (2011). “Atraumatic chylous ascites: systematic review on symptoms and causes”. J. Am. Coll. Surg. 212 (5): 899–905.e1–4. doi:10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2011.01.010. PMID 21398159.
- ↑ Press OW, Press NO, Kaufman SD (1982). “Evaluation and management of chylous ascites”. Ann. Intern. Med. 96 (3): 358–64. PMID 7059101.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Eiman Ghaffarpasand, M.D. [2]