For many people experiencing abdominal pain, a quick online search causes more harm than good. The results will give you outrageous ideas and worries you don’t need. Visiting a gastroenterologist for abdominal pain is the safest way to get real answers and to relieve the pain. Some patients that see Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida have ascites and need a procedure called paracentesis.
What ascites is:
According to Medline Plus, ascites is the build-up of fluid in the space between the lining of the abdomen and abdominal organs. The building causes mild to severe abdominal pain because of the pressure of the fluid. The build up of fluid usually takes weeks, but it can happen in just a few days.
Ascites is a symptom of another underlying cause. Your ascites may be a symptom of tuberculosis, pancreatitis, kidney disease, or underachieve thyroid. The most common causes of ascites are heart failure, cancer, and cirrhosis.
If you have cancer that affects the liver, peritoneum, ovaries, breast, bowel, stomach, pancreas, lung, or womb, and you have a buildup of fluid, you may have ascites.
Ascites is usually painful. People are usually nauseated, less hungry than usual, and have the feeling of being full. This is because their abdomen is stretched and larger than usual. If you have ascites you may feel tired, breathless, and feel an urgency for frequent urination. Constipation is also a side effect.
Fluid retention imposes pressure on other internal organs. Ascites may also make it uncomfortable to move and sit, cause back pain, and bloating. Because ascites is dreadful and makes people feel absolutely miserable, gastroenterologists relieve the pain with a procedure called paracentesis.
Causes of ascites:
When cirrhosis causes the ascites, reducing salt intake and taking diuretics, also known as water tablets, may help with the ascites. Water tablets can cause more frequent urination and present further fluid retention. Although, some types of ascites are resistant to diuretics. In more severe cases, a liver transplant may be the best option.
Your doctor may want to try paracentesis before a liver transplant. If there is an excessive amount of fluid, paracentesis can be a great management technique. The main goal of paracentesis is to relieve abdominal pressure by removing fluid.
Paracentesis can improve kidney and intestinal function. This procedure can also make it easier for patients to breathe. Doctors can also check for liver cancer, or other types, during the procedure. Paracentesis is a simple bedside or clinic procedure and does not usually require a long hospital stay. Of course, this is only true if there are no compilations or infection.
Do your own research and be informed about paracentesis:
The patient’s abdomen is cleaned thoroughly and numbed with a local anesthetic. A long, thin needle is inserted into the abdomen but should not be felt by the patient. The ascitic fluid, also referred to as excessive fluid, is then extracted through the hollow needle usually immediately relieving pain and pressure.
Doctors use ultrasound while performing paracentesis. This allows the doctors to see where the fluid is. The procedure usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes long.
Even after the procedure, doctors may recommend avoiding alcohol, limiting salt intake, and taking water tablets. To take care of your liver disease, you should get vaccinated for influenza, hepatitis B, hepatitis A, and pneumococcal pneumonia.
Consider having an in depth conversation about the medicines you take, over-the-counter medicines, herbs, and supplements. While there are many complications, remember that all procedures have potential complications. Paracentesis usually leaves patients with a better quality of life.
Speak to your gastroenterologist immediately if you have ascites with a fever above 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit, belly pain, blood in your vomit or stool, or if you are bruising or bleeding easily. Also call see your doctor if you have swollen legs or ankles, confusion, trouble staying awake, yellowish skin, or yellowing in the whites of your eyes.
These are all signs you need immediate attention. Thank you for reading this week’s blog. As this all seems very frightening, paracentesis can give you much needed relief. Call Gastroenterologist Consultants of Central Florida today to relieve pain and discomfort.
Have a safe and spooky Halloween!
Staff Writer