Wednesday, June 3, 2009

ASCITES

It is collection (accumulation) of fluid within the peritoneal cavity.

Causative factors


1) Infection / Inflammation of peritoneum – tuberculosis, pyogenic infections, intestinal perforation, filariasis
2) Hepatic causes- cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, subactute hepatic necrosis,
Budd-Chiari syndrome, veno-occlusive disease, fulminant hepatic failure
3) Renal causes- nephrotic syndrome, acute glomerulonephritis, renal transplant, chronic dialysis
4) Pancreatic causes – acute pancreatitis, carcinoma of pancreas, pseudocyst
5) Malignancy – intra- abdominal malignancy, metastasis from other sites
6) Nutritional causes – malnutrition, protein losing enteropathy
7) Miscellaneous – trauma, bile leak, familiar, Mediterranean fever, SLE, eosinophillic ascitis, myxoedema, meig’s syndrome

Symptoms


With small amount of fluid, there may be no symptoms, larger amount may cause
1) Abdominal distension
2) Discomfort
3) Anorexia
4) Respiratory distress
5) Heart burns
6) Pain

Investigation


1) Ultra sonography can detect fluid
2) Other investigations to find the exact cause

Therapeutic consideration


1) Treat the basic cause, which is causing ascites
2) If diuretics are being given, potassium should be taken
3) High protein diet
4) Water intake should be monitored and if necessary, controlled

Ayurveda approach


According to ayurveda, this is a advanced type of PITTA disorder where more DHATUS are involved and BALA of patient is strongly reduced. Though it is said to be difficult to cure, it can be controlled completely with ayurvedic medicines and with a very strict diet regime. Therefore, ayurvedic medicines are strongly recommended for this problem. Ayurveda is arguably the only science in this world to claim that this problem can be encountered completely.

Contact - Dr. Rahul Saraf at rahsaraf@gmail.com, +919422309088 to discuss your health problem or ayurvedic guidance on the same.


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Contact - Dr. Rahul Saraf at rahsaraf@gmail.com, +919850053462 to discuss your health problem or ayurvedic guidance on the same.