Ayurvedic Treatment of Ascites – Ascites Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis
What is Ascites?
Ascites is the collection of fluid that accumulates in the peritoneal [abdominal] cavity. Fluid is pale yellow in colour and is known as Ascetic fluid. The abdominal cavity is located below the chest which is separated by the diaphragm. Ascitic fluid can have many reservoirs like liver disease, cancers, congestive heart failure or kidney failure.
What are the Types of Ascites?
- Generally, ascites is divided into 2 types on the basis of the amount of protein present in the fluid i.e., Transudative Ascites and Exudative Ascites. Another classification has been derived on the basis of amount of albumin in the ascitic fluid compared to albumin measured in the blood [serum albumin]. It’s name is Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient or SAAG.
- Ascites which is related to portal hypertension (cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, Budd-Chiari) is generally greater than 1.1 while the Ascites caused by other reasons (malignant, pancreatitis) is lower than 1.1.
Ascites Causes
Liver cirrhosis or advanced liver disease is the most common cause of Ascites. Portal hypertension (increased pressure in the liver blood flow to the liver) is the main contributor to ascites but the exact mechanism behind this is not completely understood. The rise in portal blood pressure with decrease in albumin (a protein that is carried in the blood) may be the culprit for the formation of pressure gradient resulting in abdominal ascites. Salt and water retention is the other factor that may contribute to ascites. This further signals the kidneys to reabsorb more water as well as salt to compensate for the lost volume. Congestive heart failure, advanced kidney failure due to generalized fluid retention in the body are some other causes of ascites which are related to raised pressure gradient.
Ascites Risk Factors
Liver cirrhosis is the major cause of ascites. All the risk factors [excluding some] for developing ascites and cirrhosis are almost similar. Hepatitis B, hepatitis C and long standing alcohol abuse are other common risk factors. Malignancy, kidney diseases and congestive heart failure are some of the other potential risk factors which are related to the underlying condition i.e., Ascites.
Ascites Symptoms
If it is mild (usually less than about 100 – 400 ml in adults), there may be no symptoms associated with ascites. Increased abdominal girth and size are commonly seen with the collection of more fluid. The other most common symptoms of ascites are pain in the abdomen, discomfort and bloating.
How to Diagnose Ascites
Ascites diagnosis includes physical examination along with a detailed medical history so as to identify the possible underlying causes, since ascites is often considered a nonspecific symptom for other diseases. It can be diagnosed by physical examination by bulging flanks and fluid waves performed by doctor examining the abdomen, only if the ascites fluid is greater than 500ml. Less amount of fluid can be detected by an ultrasound of the abdomen. Ascites can be found incidentally with the help of an ultrasound or a CT scan done for the detection of other conditions. Diagnosing the underlying conditions due to which ascites has occurred is the most important part of understanding the reason for a person to develop ascites.
The Goodnews!?
The good news is that Ascites is preventable and reversible, but can only be possible by using holistic approach, the one advocated in Ayurveda that addresses the issues from the very root.
Since ancient times, Ayurveda has defined diseases with their symptoms, causes and healing methods with nature.
If you are having any of the above mentioned symptoms, don’t assume it is Ascites yet without any proper diagnosis because there are other stomach related diseases that comes with the same symptoms. Consult with a Doctor for accurate diagnosis to find out if Ascites is you are having or any other related disease.
Vine-Health Approach to Ascites
As a holistic health clinic, we take accurate diagnosis very seriously in order to ascertain the root cause of a particular illness. You will be consulted with our doctor to know the type of test or scan to run base on your symptoms to detect exactly the root cause of your issue to ascertain if Ascites is your issue or not to ensure appropriate treatment.
Accurate diagnosis is the key to the treatment of any disease.
We can really help you out of the issue!
Contact us for your accurate diagnosis or for any issues