Ascites Treatment
Can this condition be treated? What Ascites treatment options are available? Learn more below about the current treatments available to patients.
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- What It Is
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How to Treat Ascites
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
Dietary Changes
- Sodium restriction-Limiting salt intake to 2,000 mg per day or less is often recommended to reduce or delay fluid build-up. More extreme restrictions in salt intake do not further improve outcomes.
- Alcohol restriction-Ascites commonly occurs in people who have liver disease. Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism can further impair liver function. Stopping alcohol use may limit the progression of ascites.
Diuretics (Water Pills)
Diuretic medications are drugs that cause the kidneys to excrete more sodium and water in the urine. These medications are often recommended as the treatment of choice for ascites, along with sodium restriction.
Examples of diurectics include:
- Spironolactone (Aldactone)
- Furosemide (Lasix)
Paracentesis
Ascites can be treated by inserting a hollow needle into the abdomen and removing excess fluid through the needle.
Surgery
If the other treatments are not effective and the ascites keep coming back, surgery can be done to divert blood away from the liver.
If you are diagnosed with ascites, follow your doctor's instructions.
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Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor
implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A
MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment
or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright ©2013 EBSCO Publishing All rights
reserved. Source: EBSCO
