What are the causes of ascites?
The most common cause of ascites is liver scarring, also known as cirrhosis. According to research, Cirrhotic ascites occur when the blood pressure in the portal vein (the blood vessel responsible for carrying blood from the digestive organs to the liver) becomes too high. Excess increase in pressure leads to exacerbation of kidney function and accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.
Since the liver is unable to manage and regulate the fluid, it goes into the abdominal cavity, leading to ascites.
Ascites can also be caused by some cancers. For example, in peritoneal cancer, the tumor cells in the peritoneum (the lining of your abdomen that protects the organs in the abdomen) release a proteinaceous substance that can develop to become ascites.
People with kidney or heart failure may experience a decrease in the blood volume in the arteries. The decrease in blood volume may result in several changes in the body system that cause constriction in the kidney’s blood vessels, and sodium and water retention. These can also lead to ascites.