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Ascites (/ ə ˈ s aɪ t i z /; [5] Greek: ἀσκός, romanized: askos, meaning "bag" or "sac" [6]) is the abnormal build-up of fluid in the abdomen. [1] Technically, it is more than 25 ml of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, although volumes greater than one liter may occur. [4]
The first step in diagnosis is to determine the etiology of abdominal distension. After making a differential diagnosis of abdominal distension, it is important to take a careful medical history. [9] Here are the most common causes of abdominal distension classified as an underlying cause and as a secondary disease. As an underlying disease cause:
Abdominal compartment syndrome occurs when tissue fluid within the peritoneal and retroperitoneal space (either edema, retroperitoneal blood or free fluid in the abdomen) accumulates in such large volumes that the abdominal wall compliance threshold is crossed and the abdomen can no longer stretch. Once the abdominal wall can no longer expand ...
Peritoneal fluid is a serous fluid made by the peritoneum in the abdominal cavity which lubricates the surface of tissue that lines the abdominal wall and pelvic cavity. It covers most of the organs in the abdomen. An increased volume of peritoneal fluid is called ascites. Sampling of peritoneal fluid is generally performed by paracentesis.
Although uncommon in the general population, ischemic colitis occurs with greater frequency in the elderly, and is the most common form of bowel ischemia. [43] [44] [45] Causes of the reduced blood flow can include changes in the systemic circulation (e.g. low blood pressure), or local factors such as constriction of blood vessels or a blood ...
This causes symptoms due to the shift of fluid into the intestinal lumen, with plasma volume contraction and acute intestinal distention. [3] Osmotic diarrhea, distension of the small bowel leading to crampy abdominal pain, and reduced blood volume can result. Late dumping syndrome occurs 2 to 3 hours after a meal.
Depending on the level of obstruction, bowel obstruction can present with abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and constipation.Bowel obstruction may be complicated by dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities due to vomiting; respiratory compromise from pressure on the diaphragm by a distended abdomen, or aspiration of vomitus; bowel ischemia or perforation from prolonged distension or ...
Acute abdomen is a condition where there is a sudden onset of severe abdominal pain requiring immediate recognition and management of the underlying cause. [7] The underlying cause may involve infection, inflammation , vascular occlusion or bowel obstruction.