Understanding Ascites: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

10. Medical Treatment

People with ascites are usually instructed to take diuretics and adopt a low-sodium diet. If the condition causes other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, it is common practice to extract the fluid from the abdominal cavity with a paracentesis procedure. If the doctor diagnoses or suspects spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, she may prescribe antibiotics. In more severe cases, the individual may require surgery. If cancer is the cause, a surgeon can implant a shunt to move the fluid from the abdomen into the bloodstream. Additionally, if other treatments are unsuccessful, the patient may be considered for liver transplant. If treatment does not stop fluid buildup from forming, the individual may have refractory ascites, which has a more negative prognosis.