Ascites

Ascites is most often caused by liver scarring, otherwise known as cirrhosis. Scaring increases pressure inside the liver’s blood vessels. The increased pressure can force fluid into the abdominal cavity, resulting in ascites.
Risk factors –

Liver damage is the single biggest risk factor for ascites. Some causes of liver damage includes –
• cirrhosis
• hepatitis B or C
• a history of alcohol abuse
Other conditions that may increase your risk for ascites includes-
• ovarian, pancreatic, liver or endometrial cancer
• heart or kidney failure
• pancreatitis
• tuberculosis
• hypothyroidism
Complications-
• Abdominal pain
• Pleural effusion or water on the lung, this can lead to difficulty breathing
• Hernias, such as inguinal hernias
• Bacterial infections, such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)
• Hepatorenal syndrome, a rare type of progressive kidney failure
Diagnosis-

Diagnosing ascites takes multiple steps.Your doctor will first check for swelling in your abdomen.
Then they will probably use imaging or another testing method to look for fluid. Tests you may be advised includes –
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI
• Blood tests
• laproscopy
• Angiography
Treatment-
Treatment of ascites will depend on what’s causing the condition.
• Diuretics –
Diuretics or commonly called as water pills such as frusemide, spironolactone are used to treat ascites and are effective for most people with the condition. These drugs increase the amount of salt and water leaving your body, which reduces pressure within the veins around the liver. While on diuretics, you will probably need to reduce your alcohol use and salt intake.
• Paracentesis –
In this procedure, a thin, long needle is used to remove the excess fluid. It is inserted through the skin and into the abdominal cavity. There is a risk of infection, so people who undergo paracentesis may be prescribed antibiotics.
• Surgery –
In extreme cases, a permanent tube called a shunt is implanted in the body. It reroutes blood flow around the liver.
Ayurvedic Perspective –
In Ayurveda, ascites is known as Jalodara. As per Ayurveda, jalodara is a type of udara roga, which is caused due to the accumulation of malas (waste products).This accumulated waste leads to the vitiation of doshas, prana vata, agni and apana vata.The main aim of treatment is the removal of the waste from the abdomen. This is acheived by nitya mridu virechana (regular use of mild purgatives).
Beneficial Herbs –
• Punarnava –

• Haritaki –

• Pippli –

Effective Medications-
• Jalodarari Ras
• Purarnava Mandur
• Aarogyavardhini Vati
• Shveta parpati