Best Ascites Specialist in Hyderabad for Accurate Diagnosis & Advanced Treatment

Best Ascites Doctors in Hyderabad for Comprehensive Ascites Care

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Ascites

How can ascites be prevented?

Preventing ascites mainly involves protecting liver health. Avoiding excessive alcohol, keeping a healthy body weight, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis can help. Managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes is also important. Regular check-ups and following a doctor’s advice for any liver issues can lower the risk. Eating a balanced diet and limiting salt intake may also help prevent fluid buildup in the abdomen, especially when monitored by a doctor for ascites.

Is mild ascites curable?

Mild ascites can be manageable or even reversible, depending on the cause. If it comes from an early stage of liver disease or a treatable condition, lifestyle changes and proper treatment can reduce or eliminate the fluid. Reducing salt intake, avoiding alcohol, and taking medications like diuretics can help. However, if the underlying disease keeps getting worse, ascites may come back. Regular medical care with an ascites specialist is important to track progress and prevent complications.

Can benign tumours cause ascites?

Yes, benign (non-cancerous) tumours can sometimes cause ascites, though this is less common than with cancerous tumours. Large benign tumours in the abdomen or pelvis may press on nearby blood or lymph vessels, leading to fluid buildup. Some rare tumours may also produce fluid themselves. In most cases, when benign tumours cause ascites, it happens slowly and requires imaging or surgery to identify the cause and relieve pressure in the abdomen, which should be guided by an ascites specialist doctor.

How does portal hypertension cause ascites?

Portal hypertension means there is high blood pressure in the veins that carry blood from the digestive organs to the liver. This increased pressure makes it harder for blood to flow through the liver, causing fluid to leak out of blood vessels and collect in the abdomen. Over time, this buildup of fluid leads to ascites, which is a common complication in people with liver disease. A leading ascites specialist in Hyderabad, India can help in managing such cases effectively.

What is refractory ascites?

Refractory ascites is a condition where the fluid buildup in the abdomen does not go away or keeps coming back, even after using standard treatments like salt restriction and water pills (diuretics). This type of ascites is difficult to control and often signals that the underlying liver disease is severe. People with refractory ascites may need more advanced treatments or procedures to manage their symptoms under an expert ascites doctor.

How to diagnose ascites?

Ascites is diagnosed through a physical exam and imaging tests. A doctor may notice a swollen abdomen or shifting fluid. An ultrasound is commonly used to confirm fluid in the belly. If needed, a sample of the fluid can be removed with a needle (called paracentesis) and tested in a lab. These tests help find the cause, such as liver disease or cancer, and check for infection or other complications. Proper diagnosis should be carried out by an ascites treatment doctor.

Does ascites cause back pain?

Ascites itself typically does not cause back pain directly. However, the pressure from the accumulated fluid in the abdomen can create discomfort or a feeling of heaviness, which sometimes causes referred pain to the lower back or sides. In some cases, the underlying diseases causing ascites, such as cancer or infections, may also contribute to back pain.

Does ascites cause hyponatremia?

Yes, ascites can contribute to hyponatremia, which means low sodium levels in the blood. This happens because fluid retention in ascites dilutes sodium concentration, and the body's response to severe liver disease or fluid overload causes abnormal hormone activity leading to low sodium. Hyponatremia complicates the patient's condition and requires careful management by a top ascites doctor in Hyderabad, India.

Does ascites cause low blood pressure?

Ascites, or the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, can lead to low blood pressure, particularly in people with advanced liver disease. The fluid loss into the abdominal cavity reduces the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure. This situation may also cause symptoms such as dizziness or fainting. Careful monitoring and medical management by the best ascites doctor in Hyderabad, India are important to avoid complications.

How to tell if it's ascites or belly fat?

Ascites and belly fat can both cause a swollen abdomen, but there are differences. Ascites typically causes the abdomen to become firm and distended, and the swelling may appear suddenly. When lying down, the fluid may shift, making the sides of the belly bulge. In contrast, belly fat builds up slowly and feels soft and even all over. A doctor can confirm ascites by gently tapping the belly or using an ultrasound, often conducted by an experienced ascites specialist.

Is ascites fatal?

Ascites itself is not directly fatal, but it often signals advanced liver disease or cancer, which can be life-threatening. Ascites increases the risk of serious infections and kidney problems, especially in people with cirrhosis. Its presence means close medical attention is necessary. Proper treatment of the underlying cause and regular medical care from an expert ascites specialist doctor can help manage complications and improve life expectancy.

Which factors contribute to ascites in patients with cirrhosis?

Ascites in cirrhosis happens because the scarred liver does not allow blood to flow freely, causing a buildup of pressure in nearby blood vessels. This pressure pushes fluid out into the abdomen. Other factors include low levels of a protein called albumin and changes in hormone levels, both of which cause the body to retain salt and water. Together, these changes lead to fluid buildup that should be treated by an ascites treatment doctor.

Can malignant ascites be cured?

Malignant ascites, caused by cancer spreading to the abdomen, is rarely curable and often means the disease is in an advanced stage. The main goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms like swelling, pain, and trouble breathing. Doctors may use fluid drainage, medications to reduce buildup, or treatments for the cancer itself. Newer methods, such as intraperitoneal chemotherapy, are being studied. While a full cure is unlikely, supportive care by a famous ascites specialist in Hyderabad at PACE Hospitals can improve comfort and quality of life.

Why choose PACE Hospitals?

Gastroenterology Department | Gastroenterology Hospital in Hyderabad