What Is Ascites?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
4. Signs and Symptoms
Individuals with ascites often state that they noticed a recent increase in the size of their abdomen. In severe cases, the abdomen can be very distended. Due to the increasing size, there is also more pressure and abdominal heaviness. Breathlessness may also occur especially if the abdomen is distended enough to put pressure on the diaphragm.
Other associated symptoms include swelling of the lower limbs, easy bruising, vomiting blood (hematemesis), gynecomastia (enlargement of the breasts in male patients), and mental changes (which implies encephalopathy). Ascites patients due to cancer may complain of weight loss, chronic fatigue, and appetite loss.
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