sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Ascites: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Evaluation does not mean that a transplant will happen immediately.

    It allows a specialist team to assess liver function, overall health, support needs, and possible treatment options.

    Fever, new pain, confusion, reduced urination, bleeding, or breathing difficulty should not wait for a routine appointment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up is important because ascites can return and treatment can affect the kidneys and blood salt levels.

    Routine visits may include weight and symptom review, abdominal examination, and blood tests for kidney function, sodium, and potassium.

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for stable swelling and planned monitoring.

The article also says

The care team may adjust diuretics based on symptoms, examination findings, weight trends, and laboratory results.

Patients should not double, skip, or change diuretic doses unless they have been given a specific plan.

People with cirrhosis may also need ongoing monitoring for liver cancer, enlarged veins in the esophagus or stomach, nutrition problems, and changes in thinking or alertness.

Vaccination, alcohol treatment when relevant, and management of the cause of liver disease are important parts of care.

Development of ascites in cirrhosis may lead to a discussion about liver transplant evaluation.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Ascites. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.