Table of Contents
Can ascites be life-threatening?
Ascites is a sign of liver damage. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications. But with proper treatment and diet changes, you can manage ascites. Your healthcare provider may also talk to you about getting a liver transplant if the damage is severe.
What happens if ascites is left untreated?
If ascites are left untreated, peritonitis, blood sepsis, kidney failure could occur. The fluid could migrate into your lung cavities. Treatment is necessary to prevent these bad outcomes.
What are the complications of ascites?
Complications may include:
- Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (a life-threatening infection of the ascitic fluid)
- Hepatorenal syndrome (kidney failure)
- Weight loss and protein malnutrition.
- Mental confusion, change in the level of alertness, or coma (hepatic encephalopathy)
What stage of liver disease is ascites?
Ascites is the main complication of cirrhosis,3 and the mean time period to its development is approximately 10 years. Ascites is a landmark in the progression into the decompensated phase of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor prognosis and quality of life; mortality is estimated to be 50\% in 2 years.
How long can you survive with ascites?
The probability of survival at one and five years after the diagnosis of ascites is approximately 50 and 20\%, respectively, and long-term survival of more than 10 years is very rare [8]. In addition, mortality rises up to 80\% within 6–12 months in patients who also develop kidney failure [1].
What is the life expectancy of patients having ascites?
The outlook for people with ascites primarily depend on its underlying cause and severity. In general, the prognosis of malignant ascites is poor. Most cases have a mean survival time between 20 to 58 weeks, depending on the type of malignancy as shown by a group of investigators.
What is the life expectancy of someone having severe ascites…?
In general, the prognosis of malignant ascites is poor. Most cases have a mean survival time between 20 to 58 weeks, depending on the type of malignancy as shown by a group of investigators. Ascites due to cirrhosis usually is a sign of advanced liver disease and it usually has a fair prognosis.
How to stop ascites?
Ascites can’t be prevented. However, you can lower your risk of ascites by protecting your liver. Try adopting these healthy habits: Drink alcohol in moderation. This can help prevent cirrhosis. Get vaccinated for hepatitis B. Practice having sex with a condom. Hepatitis can be sexually transmitted. Avoid sharing needles.
How to know if you have ascites?
If abdominal distention,or bloating of the belly,is present.
How to reverse ascites?
Sometimes wayer tablets (diuretics) such as a combination of frusemide and spironolactone can help a bit, but that treatment is a bit hit-or-miss. Fundamentally the way to stop ascites accummulation is to reverse the cancer – which is why ascites often resolves quickly after starting chemotherapy.