Alcoholic ascites, which in its early stages can be confused with a beer belly, is a symptom of internal organ diseases caused by excessive alcohol consumption, primarily of the liver. In addition to increased abdominal girth, it can cause pain and a range of other ailments affecting the digestive system, cardiovascular system, and respiratory system. How is this condition diagnosed? Is ascites curable?
Alcoholic ascites – what is it?
Ascites, also known as abdominal dropsy, consists of fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity. It's worth noting that the presence of a small amount of fluid in the abdominal cavity, not exceeding 150 milliliters, is necessary for the protection and cushioning of organs located in the peritoneum. If the amount is greater, this may be a sign of pathological changes that should be consulted with a doctor. Depending on the volume of fluid accumulated in the peritoneal cavity, three grades of ascites are distinguished:- mild ascites
- moderate ascites
- advanced ascites.
Ascites and liver cirrhosis
Ascites often occurs with liver cirrhosis, a disease in which the liver parenchyma undergoes remodeling due to inflammation and fibrosis of this organ occurs, which disrupts its functions. Liver cirrhosis is a progressive disease. It results in the death of most liver cells, impairment of this organ's functions, and blood flow. With the development of liver cirrhosis, other organs such as the kidneys, lungs, brain, and circulatory system also become damaged. The late stage of the disease is associated with circulatory and respiratory failure, coma, and ultimately death. See also: How to stop drinking beer?Causes of ascites in alcoholics
Ascites is not a disease entity but a symptom of disorders present in the body. In the case of alcoholic ascites, its cause is excessive alcohol consumption – a substance that has a negative impact on the human body and leads to the deterioration of internal organs, including primarily the liver, which is responsible for carrying out ethanol metabolism processes. During alcohol elimination from the body, cell oxidation processes are disrupted, leading to the occurrence of so-called oxidative stress, which is the main cause of liver damage. As a result of alcohol's effects, diseases such as hepatitis, alcoholic fatty liver, and cirrhosis develop, one symptom of which is alcoholic ascites.Ascites in alcoholics – symptoms
The first noticeable symptom of alcoholic ascites is significant increase in abdominal girth, as well as its lateral spreading, resulting in a so-called frog belly. These symptoms are also accompanied by discomfort in the abdominal area, pain, nausea, bloating, and a feeling of distension. The sick person experiences weight gain, may also develop problems with walking and sitting, as well as swelling of the lower limbs and external genitalia. Additionally, ascites in alcoholics can also cause breathing problems, tachycardia, labile arterial hypertension, and problems with urination and defecation. The external symptoms of this condition depend on its stage of advancement.Mild ascites
In the case of mild ascites, also called first-degree ascites, which is not yet advanced, symptoms are not visible to the naked eye. Abnormalities are noticed only during ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity.Moderate ascites
In the case of moderate ascites, where the amount of fluid accumulated in the peritoneal cavity exceeds 500 milliliters, the abdomen becomes more convex and spread out. A wave passing through the abdominal cavity is also palpable.Advanced ascites
Advanced ascites manifests through tension of abdominal walls, smoothing of the navel, and shininess of the stretched skin. In the sick person, body proportions become disturbed and appear unnatural. Due to the fact that ascites appears in the course of various diseases, other symptoms characteristic of the particular condition may also appear. Alcoholic ascites occurring during liver cirrhosis is usually accompanied by skin itching, blood clotting problems, jaundice, and gynecomastia, meaning the development of breast glands in men. If you notice rapid increase in abdominal girth in a fairly short time, you should see a doctor.What does ascites diagnosis look like?
Ascites diagnosis is largely based on medical history and physical examination, during which it is particularly important to pay attention to other symptoms that may indicate liver dysfunction, including:- skin itching
- jaundice episodes
- petechiae and bleeding
- consciousness disorders
- psychiatric symptoms.
Alcoholic ascites – treatment
The method and course of ascites treatment is determined by the underlying disease. In the case of alcoholic ascites caused by liver diseases resulting from excessive alcohol consumption, treatment of disorders resulting from damage to this organ's functions is necessary. Most commonly used are diuretic medications, administered orally or intravenously. If the implemented therapy does not bring expected results or the patient experiences severe shortness of breath, abdominal puncture in the alcoholic and drainage of part of the accumulated fluid is indicated. Effective treatment of alcoholic ascites requires complete cessation of alcohol consumption by the patient, as well as introduction of a healthy, properly balanced diet. Treatment of this condition also requires implementation of treatment for the underlying disease, meaning all conditions associated with liver failure.Ascites – prognosis
Prognosis in the case of ascites largely depends on the underlying disease causing this symptom. For alcoholic ascites caused by liver cirrhosis, statistics are not optimistic – within one year of this symptom appearing, up to 50% of patients die, and within five years up to 80%. In situations where ascites is resistant to treatment, the chance of cure is even smaller. For many patients, liver transplantation is the only way out.:::cta Need help fighting addiction? Our specialists are ready to help you. Call or schedule an online appointment. Call: 880 808 880 | Schedule appointment :::
