What is the treatment for moderate ascites?
Mild to moderate ascites is treated by salt restriction and diuretic therapy. The diuretic of choice is spironolactone. A combination treatment with furosemide might be necessary in patients who do not respond to spironolactone alone.
How long does it take for spironolactone to work for ascites?
The effect of spironolactone is seen after 3–5 days of treatment and the maximum recommended dose of spironolactone is 400 mg/day. Patients with a first episode of grade 2 ascites should initially only be treated with an aldosterone antagonist [Santos et al.
How can I reduce ascites naturally?
How is ascites treated?
- Cut back on your salt intake.
- Cut back on the amount of fluids you drink.
- Stop drinking alcohol.
- Take diuretic medicines to help reduce the fluid in your body.
- In certain cases, your doctor may need to remove large amounts of fluid from your abdomen through a needle.
Will diuretics reduce ascites?
Diuretic medicines, such as spironolactone and furosemide, can help get rid of fluid that has built up in the belly and other parts of the body. These medicines can help both prevent and treat problems with ascites.
How do you reduce ascites?
Does spironolactone reduce ascites?
1 Spironolactone. Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist, acting mainly on the distal tubules to increase natriuresis and conserve potassium. Spironolactone is the drug of choice in the initial treatment of ascites due to cirrhosis.
What do you need to know about ascites treatment?
Ascites treatment usually combines medicines with changes to your nutrition. You may need any of the following: Medicines help decrease the fluid in your abdomen, prevent or fight an infection, or prevent more damage to your liver. Limit the amount of sodium (salt) and liquid in your diet.
How much fluid is in the abdomen with ascites?
In some instances, a person’s abdomen might contain about 5 liters of fluid, but in some extreme cases of ascites, doctors have drained more than 10 liters of fluid from the abdomen. When ascites is caused by cancer, doctors may use a shunt (tube) to move the fluid from the abdomen into the bloodstream.
How is a transjugular catheter used to treat ascites?
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a procedure used to treat large ascites when you cannot have paracentesis. Your healthcare provider uses a catheter (plastic tube) to increase blood flow through your liver. This helps to reduce the fluid in your abdomen.
What are the effects of ascites in cirrhosis?
Ascites is associated with a reduced rate of survival for those living with cirrhosis. Before treatment can begin, a proper diagnosis is required. If only small amounts of fluids are suspected, an ultrasound may be ordered.
