Ascites - is the presence of excess fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

Ascites is more often

associated with liver disease and other long-lasting (chronic) conditions

Risk factors: - liver cirrhosis

- hepatitis
- alcohol consumption
- Kidney disease
- Portal hypertension

decreased perfusion of hepatocytes

Increased reabsorption of water and sodium by the kidney

Increasing plasma volume, increase portal flow

Hepatocytes protrude

Tissue edema

Hepatic lymph flow increases

Decreased perfusion of hepatocytes

Triggers renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis

 Stimulates sodium and water retention by kidney

Accumulation of fluid

Abdominal pain, shortness infection heartburn, dysphagia, halitosis,

of breath, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, jaundice

pleural effusions peritonitis