The condition that causes ascites will be treated, if possible.

Treatment may include:

• Diuretics or “water pills,” to help remove the fluid; usually, spironolactone (Aldactone) is used at first, and then furosemide (Lasix) will be added
• Antibiotics, if an infection develops
• Limiting salt in the diet (no more than 1,500 mg/day of sodium)
• Avoiding drinking alcohol

Procedures used for ascites that do not respond to medical treatment include:

• Placing a tube into the area to remove large volumes of fluid (called a large volume paracentesis)
• Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), which helps reroute blood around the liver

As patients develop end-stage liver disease, and the ascites no longer respond to treatment, liver transplantation becomes necessary.

• Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (a life-threatening infection of the ascites fluid)
• Hepatorenal syndrome (kidney failure)
• Weight loss and protein malnutrition
• Mental confusion, change in the level of alertness, or coma (hepatic encephalopathy)
• Other complications of liver cirrhosis

Anyone who has ascites and develops new abdominal pain and fever should contact their health care provider immediately.