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Ascites Related Diseases & Conditions

Medical conditions are often related to other diseases and conditions. Our doctors have compiled a list of ailments related to the topic of Ascites. These conditions may be a cause or symptom of Ascites or be a condition for which you may be at increased risk.

  • Abdominal Pain Abdominal pain is pain in the belly and can be acute or chronic. Causes include inflammation, distention of an organ, and loss of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Abdominal Pain Article
    • What is abdominal pain?
    • What causes abdominal pain?
    • How is the cause of abdominal pain diagnosed?
    • Characteristics of the abdominal pain
    • Physical examination
    • Exams and tests
    • Special problem in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain
    • Why can diagnosis of the cause of abdominal pain be difficult?
    • How can I help my doctor to determine the cause of my abdominal pain?
    • Abdominal Pain At A Glance
  • Congestive Heart Failure Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart's function as a pump is inadequate to meet the body's needs. A...learn more »
    In This Article
    Congestive Heart Failure Article
    • Congestive heart failure facts
    • What is congestive heart failure?
    • What causes congestive heart failure?
    • What are the symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF)?
    • How is congestive heart failure diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment of congestive heart failure?
    • Lifestyle modifications
    • Medications
    • Heart transplant
    • Other mechanical therapies
    • What is the long term outlook for patients with congestive heart failure?
    • What are the areas of new research in congestive heart failure?
  • Kidney Failure Kidney failure can occur from an acute event or a chronic condition or disease. Prerenal kidney failure is caused by blood loss,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Kidney Failure Article
    • What are the kidneys?
    • What causes kidney failure?
    • What are the symptoms of kidney failure?
    • How is kidney failure diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for kidney failure?
    • Diet
    • Medications
    • Dialysis
    • Hemodialysis
    • Peritoneal dialysis
    • Kidney transplantation
    • What is the prognosis for someone with kidney failure?
    • Kidney Failure At A Glance
  • Lung Cancer Lung cancer kills more men and women than any other form of cancer. Eight out of 10 lung cancers are due to tobacco smoke. Lung...learn more »
    In This Article
    Lung Cancer Article
    • What is lung cancer?
    • How common is lung cancer?
    • What causes lung cancer?
    • What are the types of lung cancer?
    • What are lung cancer symptoms and signs?
    • How is lung cancer diagnosed?
    • What is staging of lung cancer?
    • What is the treatment for lung cancer?
    • What is the prognosis (outcome) of lung cancer?
    • How can lung cancer be prevented?
    • Lung Cancer At A Glance
  • Liver Disease Liver disease can be cause by a variety of things including infection (hepatitis), diseases such as gallstones, high cholesterol...learn more »
    In This Article
    Liver Disease Article
    • What is liver disease?
    • What are the causes of liver disease?
    • What are the risk factors for liver disease?
    • What are the symptoms of liver disease?
    • When to seek medical care for liver disease
    • How is liver disease diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for liver disease?
    • What are the complications of liver disease?
    • Can liver disease be prevented?
    • What is the outlook (prognosis) for a person with liver disease?
    • Liver Disease At A Glance
  • Blood Clots Blood clots can occur in the venous and arterial vascular system. Blood clots can form in the heart, legs, arteries, veins,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Blood Clots Article
    • What are blood clots?
    • What causes blood clots?
    • What does a blood clot look like?
    • What are the risk factors for blood clots?
    • What types and conditions are caused by blood clots?
    • What are the symptoms of blood clots?
    • How are blood clots diagnosed?
    • How are blood clots treated?
    • What are the complications of blood clots?
    • How can blood clots be prevented?
    • Blood Clots At A Glance
  • Ovarian Cancer There are many types of ovarian cancer, epithelial carcinoma is the most common. Women with a family history of ovarian cancer...learn more »
    In This Article
    Ovarian Cancer Article
    • Ovarian cancer facts
    • What are the ovaries?
    • What is ovarian cancer?
    • What are risk factors for ovarian cancer?
    • What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
    • How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
    • How is staging for ovarian cancer determined?
    • What is the treatment for ovarian cancer?
    • Treatment methods
    • Surgery
    • Chemotherapy
    • Radiation therapy
    • What are the side effects of treatment for ovarian cancer?
    • What follow-up care is necessary?
    • Where can ovarian cancer patients find support?
    • What research is available for ovarian cancer patients?
    • What resources are available to patients with ovarian cancer?
  • Liver Cancer Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world and the majority of patients with liver cancer will die within one year...learn more »
    In This Article
    Liver Cancer Article
    • What is liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC)?
    • What is the scope of the liver cancer problem?
    • What are the population characteristics (epidemiology) of liver cancer?
    • What are liver cancer causes and risk factors?
    • What are liver cancer symptoms and signs?
    • How is liver cancer diagnosed?
    • Blood tests
    • Imaging studies
    • Liver biopsy or aspiration
    • What is the natural history of liver cancer?
    • What are the treatment options for liver cancer?
    • Chemotherapy and biotherapy
    • Chemoembolization (trans-arterial chemoembolization or TACE)
    • Radioembolization
    • Ablation techniques
    • Cryoablation
    • Stereotactic radiosurgery
    • Proton beam therapy
    • Surgery
    • Is there a role for routine screening for liver cancer?
    • What is fibrolamellar carcinoma?
    • What's in the future for the prevention and treatment of liver cancer?
    • Liver Cancer At a Glance
  • Pancreatic Cancer Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer has been called a "silent" disease because early...learn more »
    In This Article
    Pancreatic Cancer Article
    • Pancreatic cancer facts
    • What is the pancreas, and what is the function of the pancreas?
    • What is cancer?
    • What is pancreatic cancer?
    • What are pancreatic cancer causes and risk factors?
    • What are the symptoms and signs of pancreatic cancer?
    • How is the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer made?
    • How is pancreatic cancer staged?
    • What is the treatment for resectable pancreatic cancer?
    • What is the treatment for locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer?
    • What is the treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer?
    • What are side effects of pancreatic cancer treatment?
    • What is the prognosis of pancreatic cancer?
    • What research is being done on pancreatic cancer?
    • Is complimentary or alternative therapy effective in pancreatic cancer treatment?
    • Can pancreatic cancer be prevented?
    • Where can people get support when coping with pancreatic cancer?
    • Where can people find additional information about pancreatic cancer?
  • Edema Edema is the swelling of tissues as a result of excess water accumulations. Peripheral edema occurs in the feet and legs. There...learn more »
    In This Article
    Edema Article
    • What is edema?
    • What is pitting edema and how does it differ from non-pitting edema?
    • What causes pitting edema?
    • How does salt intake affect edema?
    • Why does a patient with heart disease retain fluid?
    • Why do patients with liver disease develop ascites and edema?
    • Why does edema occur in patients with kidney disease?
    • What is idiopathic edema?
    • How does venous insufficiency cause edema?
    • Which diuretics are used to treat edema?
    • Are diuretics used for other purposes?
    • Edema At A Glance
  • Cirrhosis (Liver) Cirrhosis of the liver refers to a disease in which normal liver cells are replaced by scar tissue caused by alcohol and viral...learn more »
    In This Article
    Cirrhosis (Liver) Article
    • What is cirrhosis?
    • Why does cirrhosis cause problems?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of cirrhosis?
    • What are the complications of cirrhosis?
    • What are the common causes of cirrhosis?
    • How is cirrhosis diagnosed and evaluated?
    • How is cirrhosis treated?
    • What is new and in the future for cirrhosis?
    • Cirrhosis At A Glance
  • Colon Cancer Colon cancer is a malignancy that arises from the inner lining of the colon. Most, if not all, of these cancers develop from...learn more »
    In This Article
    Colon Cancer Article
    • Colon cancer facts
    • What is cancer?
    • What is cancer of the colon and rectum?
    • What are the causes of colon cancer?
    • What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
    • What tests can be done to detect colon cancer?
    • How can colon cancer be prevented?
    • What are the treatments and survival for colon cancer?
    • What is the follow-up care for colon cancer?
    • What does the future hold for patients with colorectal cancer?
  • Stomach Cancer Though the cause of stomach cancer is unknown, risk factors for stomach cancer include diet, H. pylori infection, smoking age,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Stomach Cancer Article
    • What is the stomach?
    • What is cancer, and how does stomach cancer spread?
    • What are risk factors and causes of stomach cancer?
    • What are symptoms of stomach cancer?
    • How is stomach cancer diagnosed?
    • How is staging determined?
    • What is the treatment for stomach cancer?
    • Surgery
    • Chemotherapy
    • Radiation therapy
    • How do I go about getting a second opinion?
    • What are some of the nutritional concerns of stomach cancer patients?
    • What are treatment options for cancer that blocks the digestive tract?
    • What follow-up care is necessary for stomach cancer patients? What about complementary and alternative medicine?
    • What support is there for cancer patients?
    • How can I take part in clinical trials for stomach cancer?
    • Stomach Cancer At A Glance
  • Hepatitis C Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver due to the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is usually spread by blood transfusion,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hepatitis C Article
    • Hepatitis C infection facts
    • What is hepatitis C infection?
    • What is the nature (biology) of the hepatitis C virus?
    • How does liver damage occur in hepatitis C infection?
    • How is hepatitis C virus spread, and how can transmission be prevented?
    • What are the symptoms of hepatitis C infection?
    • What conditions outside the liver are associated with hepatitis C infection?
    • What is the usual progression of chronic hepatitis C infection?
    • Who is at high risk and should be tested for hepatitis C infection?
    • What are the diagnostic tests for hepatitis C virus and how are they used to diagnose hepatitis C infection?
    • What is the role of a liver biopsy in the management of chronic hepatitis C infection?
    • What is the treatment for hepatitis C infection?
    • Who should receive antiviral therapy for hepatitis C infection?
    • What are the different patterns of response to antiviral treatment?
    • What are the goals of therapy for hepatitis C infection?
    • What are the therapy options for previously untreated patients with chronic hepatitis C infection?
    • How are relapses and nonresponders treated?
    • Should individuals with acute hepatitis C infection be treated?
    • What are the side effects of treatment for hepatitis C infection?
    • What about liver transplantation for hepatitis C infection?
    • What is the current research and what is in the future for hepatitis C infection?
  • Alcoholism Alcoholism is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as...learn more »
    In This Article
    Alcoholism Article
    • Alcoholism and alcohol abuse facts
    • What is alcohol abuse?
    • What is alcoholism?
    • What differentiates alcohol abuse from alcoholism?
    • What are risk factors for alcoholism?
    • What causes alcoholism? Is alcoholism hereditary?
    • What are alcohol abuse and alcoholism symptoms and signs in teenagers, women, men, and the elderly?
    • How is alcoholism diagnosed?
    • What are the stages of alcoholism?
    • What is the treatment for alcoholism?
    • What medications treat alcoholism?
    • How can you tell if someone has a drinking problem?
    • Can an alcoholic just cut back or stop drinking?
    • Is there a safe level of drinking?
    • Is it safe to drink alcohol while pregnant?
    • How can someone find more information or get help or support to treat alcohol abuse and alcoholism?
    • What are the long-term physical and psychological effects of alcohol abuse and alcoholism?
    • What is codependency and what is the treatment for codependency?
    • Can alcoholism be prevented?
    • What is the prognosis of alcoholism?
  • Hepatitis B The hepatitis B virus is a unique, coated DNA virus belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family of viruses. The course of the virus is...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hepatitis B Article
    • What is hepatitis?
    • How is the hepatitis B virus spread (transmitted)?
    • What are the symptoms of acute hepatitis B infection?
    • What are the symptoms of chronic hepatitis B infection?
    • How is hepatitis B diagnosed?
    • What is the role of a liver biopsy in chronic hepatitis B?
    • What is the natural course of chronic hepatitis B?
    • What medications are used to treat hepatitis B?
    • What are the effects of alcohol on hepatitis B?
    • What are the effects of immunosuppressive medications on hepatitis B?
    • What is delta hepatitis?
    • What about co-infection with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus?
    • What happens in co-infection with hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus?
    • What is the role of liver transplantation in hepatitis B?
    • What can be done to prevent hepatitis B?
    • What is new in the treatment of hepatitis B?
    • Hepatitis B At A Glance
  • Pancreatitis Pancreatitis is a rare disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed, occurring when digestive enzymes are activated and begin...learn more »
    In This Article
    Pancreatitis Article
    • Pancreatitis facts*
    • What is pancreatitis?
    • What are the causes of acute pancreatitis?
    • What are the symptoms of acute pancreatitis?
    • How is acute pancreatitis diagnosed?
    • How is acute pancreatitis treated?
    • What about gallstones and pancreatitis?
    • What is chronic pancreatitis?
    • What are the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis?
    • How is chronic pancreatitis diagnosed?
    • How is chronic pancreatitis treated?
    • How common is pancreatitis in children?
    • Hope through research
    • Pancreatitis At A Glance
    • For more information about pancreatitis
  • Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, a vital part of the body's immune system. Symptoms include swollen...learn more »
    In This Article
    Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Article
    • Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma facts
    • What is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
    • What causes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
    • What are risk factors for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
    • What are symptoms and signs of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
    • How is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosed?
    • What are the types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and how is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma staging determined?
    • What is the treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
    • What is the prognosis and survival rates of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
    • Where can people find more information about non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
  • Liver The liver is the largest solid organ in the body, and is actually an gland. The liver has a wide variety of critical functions...learn more »
    In This Article
    Liver Article
    • Liver facts
    • Liver overview
    • How large is the liver?
    • Where is the liver located (liver anatomy)?
    • What is the function of the liver?
    • What special features enable the liver to do so much?
    • What diseases affect the liver?
    • How do liver diseases cause symptoms?
    • What about blood tests for the diagnosis of liver disease?
    • Why does the doctor examine the liver?
    • What is a liver biopsy?
    • What else is important about the liver?
  • Pleurisy (Pleuritis) Pleurisy, an inflammation of the lining around the lungs, is associated with sharp chest pain upon breathing in. Cough, chest...learn more »
    In This Article
    Pleurisy (Pleuritis) Article
    • What is pleurisy?
    • What causes pleurisy?
    • How does the pleura work?
    • What are the symptoms of pleurisy?
    • How is pleurisy diagnosed?
    • How is pleurisy treated?
    • Can pleurisy be prevented?
    • Pleurisy At A Glance
  • Encephalopathy Encephalopathy means brain disease, damage, or malfunction. Causes of encephalopathy are varied and numerous. The main symptom of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Encephalopathy Article
    • What is encephalopathy?
    • What causes encephalopathy?
    • What are the symptoms of encephalopathy?
    • How is encephalopathy diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for encephalopathy?
    • What are the complications of encephalopathy?
    • What is the prognosis (outlook) for encephalopathy?
    • Can encephalopathy be prevented?
    • Encephalopathy At A Glance
    • For more information on types of encephalopathy
    • Related encephalopathy article:
      Encephalopathy - on eMedicineHealth
  • Pleural Effusion Pleural effusion is an excess fluid between the two membranes that envelop the lungs. There are two classifications of causes of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Pleural Effusion Article
    • What is pleural effusion?
    • What causes pleural effusion?
    • What are the risk factors for pleural effusion?
    • What are the symptoms and signs of pleural effusion?
    • When should I seek medical care for pleural effusion?
    • How is pleural effusion diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for pleural effusion?
    • What are the complications of pleural effusion?
    • Can pleural effusion be prevented?
    • What is the prognosis for pleural effusion?
    • Pleural Effusion At A Glance
  • Viral Hepatitis Hepatitis is most often viral, due to infection with one of the hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E, F (not confirmed), and G) or...learn more »
    In This Article
    Viral Hepatitis Article
    • What is viral hepatitis?
    • What are the common types of viral hepatitis?
    • Who is at risk for viral hepatitis?
    • What are the symptoms and signs of viral hepatitis?
    • What is the prognosis of viral hepatitis?
    • What is acute fulminant hepatitis?
    • What is chronic viral hepatitis?
    • How is viral hepatitis diagnosed?
    • How is viral hepatitis treated?
    • How is viral hepatitis prevented?
    • Viral Hepatitis At A Glance
  • Hypertensive Kidney Disease High blood pressure can damage the kidneys and is one of the leading causes of kidney failure (end-stage renal kidney disease)....learn more »
    In This Article
    Hypertensive Kidney Disease Article
    • Introduction to high blood pressure (hypertension) and kidney disease
    • What is high blood pressure?
    • How does high blood pressure hurt the kidneys?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease? (CKD)?
    • How can kidney damage from high blood pressure be prevented?
    • How can high blood pressure be controlled?
    • Can medicines help control blood pressure?
    • Who is at risk for kidney failure related to high blood pressure?
    • High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease At A Glance
    • Hope Through Research
  • Portal Hypertension Portal hypertension is most commonly caused by cirrhosis, a disease in which results from scarring of a liver injury. Other...learn more »
    In This Article
    Portal Hypertension Article
    • Introduction to Portal Hypertension
    • What causes portal hypertension?
    • What are the symptoms of portal hypertension?
    • How is portal hypertension diagnosed?
    • How is portal hypertension treated?
      • Endoscopic therapy
      • Medications
      • What lifestyle changes should be made?
      • Other treatment options
  • Schistosomiasis Schistosomiasis (snail fever), a disease caused by parasites, causes a variety of symptoms and signs, such as cough, rash and...learn more »
    In This Article
    Schistosomiasis Article
    • What is schistosomiasis?
    • What causes schistosomiasis?
    • What are the symptoms and signs of schistosomiasis?
    • How is schistosomiasis diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for schistosomiasis?
    • When should people with schistosomiasis seek medical care?
    • What are the complications of schistosomiasis?
    • Can schistosomiasis be prevented?
    • What is the prognosis (outcome) for schistosomiasis?
    • Schistosomiasis At A Glance
  • Heart Failure Heart failure is caused by many conditions including coronary artery disease, heart attack, cardiomyopathy, and conditions that...learn more »
    In This Article
    Heart Failure Article
    • What is Heart Failure?
    • What Causes Heart Failure?
    • What are the Symptoms of Heart Failure?
    • What are the Types of Heart Failure?
    • How is Heart Failure Diagnosed?
    • How is Heart Failure Treated?
    • Stages of Heart Failure
    • How Can I Prevent Heart Failure From Worsening?
    • How Can I Prevent Further Heart Damage?
    • What Medications Should I Avoid?
    • How Can I Improve My Quality of Life?
    • What Surgical Procedures are Used to Treat Heart Failure?
    • Treatment is a Team Effort
    • What is the Outlook for People with Heart Failure?