What is swelling of the abdomen and why does it develop?
A disease characterized by the accumulation in the abdominal cavity of excess fluid and lead to swelling of the abdomen, called ascites. In the process of development of pathology of the patient, changes in the shape, and the first striking symptom is an increase in abdomen.
If the patient is in the supine position, the abdomen, as if it is spread with the bulging lateral surfaces. While in a vertical position bloated abdomen can be compared to pregnancy, so it is great. The umbilicus in most patients bulging.
A symptom of cirrhosis caused by progressive portal hypertension, is appearing venous network with the hosted collaterals around the umbilicus. The so-called "sun" is formed due to the veins extending from it in different directions.
Ascites in women, caused by disease of the ovaries, in the home treated by applying lotions with the use of a decoction of chamomile.
Of reasons can swell the stomach, a few:
- kidney disease;
- tuberculosis;
- alimentary dystrophy;
- congestive heart failure;
- violation of the outflow of lymph;
- the presence of rapidly growing tumor.
Diagnosis of ascites
An important step in the diagnosis of ascites is the identification of the causes that triggered the disease. The underlying disease with its characteristic features, is complemented by pulmonary congestion and peripheral edema.
If factors in the development of swelling of the abdomen was liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension, the disease may be accompanied by bleeding from ruptured varicose veins of the esophagus. In the case of kidney failure ascites is complemented by swelling of the subcutaneous tissue.
In patients suffering from heart failure, not only swells the belly, the foot and lower leg. The cardiologist determines the symptoms of myocardial injury and ECG results it becomes clear that disturbed cardiac rhythm.
How to treat swelling of the abdomen?
Treatment of ascites begins with the treatment of the underlying disease. Diuretics are prescribed to accelerate the excretion of accumulated fluid. Disturbed water-salt metabolism adjust and achieve the disappearance of portal hypertension.
In men the main treatment of ascites testicles can be supplemented their lubrication with castor oil. The procedure is carried out morning and evening for 14 days. Then make a week break.
If a medical treatment was not effective, the fluid is pumped during the procedure, known as abdominal paracentesis. Before its implementation, the patient empties the bladder and takes a sitting position (in severe cases it is laid on its side).
Is laparocentesis, or puncture after administration of local anesthesia on the middle line of the abdomen, connecting the navel and the pubis or umbilicus and the iliac crest. One puncture is allowed to take no more than 6 liters of fluid, avoiding the development of collapse.
With significant portal hypertension that fails, your doctor may insist on surgery, achieving a reduction of its manifestations. During the operation, the conditions for suction of accumulated ascitic fluid adjacent tissues. So, the patient is aminoheptanoic – suturing of the omentum to areas of the diaphragm and liver.