What makes up peritoneal fluid

In this article, we will explore the causes of ascites, as well as the symptoms and treatment options. Ascites occurs when fluid accumulates in the abdomen. It is usual to have a small amount of fluid in the peritoneum cavity. Many underlying diseases can be responsible for causing ascites, including tuberculosis , kidney disease, pancreatitis , and an underactive thyroid. However, the primary causes of ascites are heart failure, cirrhosis , and cancer.

Fluid retention causes pressure on other internal organs, which often results in a person experiencing discomfort. Ascites may also cause bloating, abdominal and back pain , and lead to a person having difficulty sitting and moving.

If cirrhosis has caused ascites, an individual may benefit from reducing salt and taking water tablets diuretics. While this is an effective approach in many situations, some types of ascites are resistant to diuretics.

In resistant cases, or if there is a significant amount of excess fluid, paracentesis can be an effective management technique. Paracentesis involves a doctor inserting a needle into the abdomen and draining off the excess liquid. The aim of paracentesis is to relieve abdominal pressure, so the person feels less discomfort. When ascites is caused by cancer, doctors may use a shunt tube to move the fluid from the abdomen into the bloodstream.

A doctor inserts a needle into a vein in the neck and places a shunt along the chest wall. The shunt connects the abdominal cavity to the neck, where it enters the vein.

The fluid then moves along the tube into the bloodstream. Chemotherapy can help to shrink or control cancer. It can be administered through a tube in the abdomen, which can sometimes stop fluid building up. Unfortunately, there is not much evidence to suggest that this works well.

The underlying conditions that cause ascites are often serious illnesses linked to reduced life expectancy. In certain cases, your doctor may need to remove large amounts of fluid from your abdomen through a needle. This may be done if you have trouble breathing or the diuretic is not working. In very complicated situations, you may need to have a special procedure in radiology called TIPS. In this procedure, a connection is made inside the liver between the blood vessels to ease the high pressure causing ascites.

What are the complications of ascites? Can ascites be prevented? These include: Stop drinking alcohol. Maintain a healthy weight. Exercise regularly. Stop smoking. Limit salt in your diet. Practice safe sex to decrease your chance of getting hepatitis. Do not use recreational drugs to decrease your chance of getting hepatitis. Living with ascites Be sure to follow your healthcare provider's advice for lowering your salt intake. Key points Ascites is a condition in which fluid collects in spaces within your abdomen.

As fluid collects in the abdomen, it can affect your lungs, kidneys, and other organs. Ascites causes abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, and other difficulties. Stopping all alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, not smoking, and limiting salt intake can help prevent cirrhosis or cancer that may lead to ascites.

Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you. At the visit, write down the names of new medicines, treatments, or tests, and any new instructions your provider gives you. If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

A peritoneal fluid culture is a test that is performed on a small sample of peritoneal fluid. It may also be called an abdominal tap or paracentesis. The laboratory examines the fluid for any bacteria or fungi that may be causing an infection. Peritonitis means that the peritoneum is inflamed. More commonly, infection spreads to the peritoneal space from your biliary or gastrointestinal tract. This is called secondary peritonitis.

Peritonitis can be dangerous, causing sepsis and lung infections. Sepsis is an infection in the body caused by a reaction to bacteria that are present. Large amounts of fluid may be removed to ease discomfort. In order to treat peritonitis, the underlying cause needs to be determined. A peritoneal fluid culture can help make a diagnosis. If necessary, the area will be shaved prior to the insertion of the needle.

A spot on your lower abdomen will be cleaned with an antiseptic, and you will receive local anesthesia to numb the area. A needle will be inserted 1 to 2 inches into your abdominal cavity. A small incision may be necessary if there is difficulty inserting the needle.

Fluid is removed through a syringe. During the procedure, you might feel pressure. If a lot of fluid is being removed, dizziness or lightheadedness is not uncommon. If you feel discomfort or dizziness, tell your doctor. The bowel, bladder, or an abdominal blood vessel can also be punctured, but this is rare.

Abnormal results might show:. Once your doctor gets the results, they can start treating the underlying condition. In some cases, additional follow-up tests may be needed.