Why is My Belly Bulging?

Having a bulging belly can be embarrassing and make your self-confidence suffer. It can be discouraging if you’ve done everything to find a solution to a protruding stomach without success. However, if your belly bulge comes with debilitating symptoms, it could indicate a significant problem that you may be unaware of. Ascites, or abdominal fluid, can be dangerous and requires professional intervention to address. The team of the Metropolitan Vascular institute has years of experience in helping patients get relief from abdominal fluid and its symptoms. A crucial part of implementing the best treatment for your situation depends on the cause behind the condition. Here are a few points on Ascites, what can cause it, and how our office can help.

What is Ascites?

Ascites are a common condition that typically comes as a byproduct of another illness. Some of the conditions that may bring Acites can include:

• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Infections
• Heart conditions
• Dialysis

While a protruding stomach is usually one of the calling cards, it comes with other symptoms that can significantly impact your way of life. For instance, Ascites result from fluid buildup in your abdomen, causing your stomach to expand. The fluid buildup can open the door to many symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, difficulty breathing, and vomiting.

Are Ascites Dangerous?

If you’ve noticed symptoms that may be consistent with Ascites, getting professional help is crucial. In addition to discomfort, untreated Ascites can spread to other body areas and compromise essential bodily functions. For instance, Ascites can lead to infections in your abdomen, which can, in turn, compromise your kidney function and lead to kidney failure. If you believe that you’re suffering from Ascites, please set immediate medical attention for a thorough evaluation, including an MRI, CT scan, and fluid samples. The Metropolitan Vascular Institute’s dedicated team can provide treatment methods to help your condition. Depending on the cause behind your case of Ascites, our strategies to treat you can include Paracentesis, Percutaneous Gastrostomy Tube Placement, or a Cholecystostomy Tube Placement. For more on how we can help, please schedule an appointment with our office. Call our Waldorf office today at (301) 374-8540.