The relationship between cirrhosis and ascites is fairly common and well established: Cirrhosis is the most common cause of ascites. The accumulation of ascites, or fluid in the abdominal cavity, may cause additional complications as it grows and increases intra-abdominal pressure. Some patients may not be aware that they are suffering from cirrhosis and ascites until a moderate to large volume of ascites has already accumulated in the abdomen.

Cirrhosis is a liver disease or condition that is most commonly caused by chronic hepatitis or alcohol usage. Cirrhosis may also be caused by several other diseases. Chronic damage to the liver results in scar tissue and the eventual inability of the liver to heal itself and rebuild healthy cells.

Ascites may accumulate as liver function deteriorates and pressure in the veins that pass through the liver increases. The result is that fluid seeps or leaks from the surface of the liver into the abdominal cavity, where it collects. Edema, the accumulation of fluid in the feet or legs, may also accompany cirrhosis and ascites.

Ascites is a medical term that refers to fluid in the abdominal cavity. This accumulation of abdominal fluid may be caused by several diseases, including cirrhosis. Other diseases that can cause ascites include ovarian and colon cancer, heart failure, kidney failure, and certain infections.

Small amounts of ascites are usually not noticed by the patient. Larger volumes of ascites frequently cause the patient to feel bloated or full in the abdomen. The presence of ascites is usually confirmed through diagnostic imaging tests such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan. Laboratory analysis of ascites can be used to determine the cause of the ascites.

Ascites can cause several additional complications for patients. Increasing intra-abdominal pressure from ascitic accumulation may result in abdominal pain or discomfort, decrease in appetite, and infection. Large-volume ascites accumulation may also result in a hepatic hydrothorax in which ascites enters the chest and accumulates between the chest and the lung in the pleural space. The resulting condition, known as a pleural effusion, may result in the patient experiencing difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

Short-term treatment of hepatic ascites in the case of large-volume ascites may involve paracentesis. Paracentesis is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the abdomen to draw off the accumulated abdominal fluid. Paracentesis may provide immediate relief from some of the discomfort and complications associated with this abdominal fluid accumulation. Long-term treatment of cirrhosis and ascites may include a special diet, the use of diuretic medications to help reduce ascites and edema and, in some cases, liver transplant.