Symptoms

• According to the Merck Manual, symptoms of ascites include abdominal swelling, discomfort, loss of appetite and trouble breathing. Small amounts of fluid may be asymptomatic while larger amounts can be life-threatening.
  
  

Cause

• According to Medline Plus, low amounts of albumin (protein) in the blood and high pressure in the liver's blood vessels (portal hypertension) lead to fluid in the stomach cavity. Low albumin levels lead to pressure changes in the blood vessels and fluid leaks and collects in the stomach. Portal hypertension prevents blood from flowing through the liver and it leaks into the stomach cavity.
  
  

Diagnosis

• A physical exam can show a swollen stomach. It is also important to analyze the ascitic fluid through a procedure called a paracentesis. Here, a needle is placed into the stomach cavity and fluid is removed. It is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
  
  

Treatment

• The initial treatment for ascites includes bed rest, alcohol avoidance and a low salt diet. If ascites is moderate to severe, a paracentesis may be performed to remove the fluid. In more severe cases in which paracentesis fails, a peritoneovenous shunt (a special tube) can be used to drain the fluid. Medications like diuretics also decrease fluid accumulation.
  
  

Warning

• According to the Merck Manual, the accumulation of ascites fluid in the stomach cavity can lead to a serious infection called bacterial peritonitis. Antibiotics can be taken to treat this condition.