Ascites

Excess fluid in the peritoneal cavity, the space between the 2- layered membrane that lines the inside of the abdominal wall and which covers the abdominal organs. Ascites may occur in any condition that causes generalized oedema, such as congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, and cirrhosis of the liver. Ascites may occur in cancer if metastases (secondary growths) from a cancer elsewhere in the body develop in the peritoneum. The condition also occurs if tuberculosis affects the abdomen. Ascites causes abdominal swelling and discomfort. It may cause breathing difficulty due to pressure on the diaphragm. The underlying cause is treated if possible. Diuretic drugs, particularly spironolactone, are often used to treat ascites associated with cirrhosis.