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Ascites
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The Basics of Ascites
Ascites is excess fluid in the space between the membranes lining the abdomen and abdominal organs (the peritoneal cavity). This is typically caused by liver disease.
Disorders that may be associated with ascites include:
- cirrhosis
- hepatitis
- portal vein thrombosis (clots in the veins of the liver)
- constrictive pericarditis
- congestive heart failure
- liver cancer
- ovarian cancer
- protein-losing enteropathy
- nephrotic syndrome
- pancreatitis
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by
Venkat Mohan, MD on September 18, 2008
© 2008 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
Common Treatments for Digestive Disorders
If you notice pain on your right side after eating a fatty meal, you may have gallbladder disease.
