Can Ascites Be Reversed On Stopping Alcohol?

Posted on Fri, 20 Feb 2015

Question: Will ascites (IF I have it) go away on its own if I stop drinking alcohol? I drink about a pint or more for of Vodka a day and have done so on and off for about the last 6 months or so. I gave up drinking a long time ago but have recently started again. on and off!
I have no other symptoms of colored urine. dark stool or any other problems other then a BIG belly! I get no daily exersise . I have no vomiting bleediing etc and no vomiting. fevers, nose bleed or such.
Can you advize? I dont eat a lot of salt either
I have no weight loss or gain>

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Quitting alcohol alone cannot reverse ascites,other medications are needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

The presence of ascites is indicative for decompensated liver failure. If it is confirmed by abdominal ultrasound, quitting alcohol is not enough. Further medications including diuretics are highly recommended.

Hope it answered to your queries!
Let me know if I can be of further help!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (1 hour later)

Hello Dr,
Thanks for the reply,
I have no dark colored stools my urine is the color it is supposed to be. I have no constipation, no pain in my upper right quandrant of the stomach, no spider like veins, no headaches, no fever etc.
No jaundice etc. Could it just be that II am fat (stomach wise ) due to in activity and total lack of excersise? I sit at my PC for about 10 hours a a day.
There appears to be no swelling of the ankles or legs either!

Any ideas?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Should run abdominal echo for final diagnosis

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

If none of the above mentioned symptoms are present, then abdominal ultrasound is advised to determine whether it is water in abdomen (edema) or fatty mass.

All the best!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (31 minutes later)

Is water mass or fatty tissue something I can control on my own?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is important to determine the root cause...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

The very first thing is to determine the right cause to your problems.

When the root cause is well diagnosed, it will be much more easier to treat it and other problems too.

The treatment will be directed to treat:
- 1. the root cause
- 2. the associated symptoms

Diuretics are advised to use to treat water retention, while diet and lifestyle regimen are advised to control both water mass or fatty tissue.

Hope it was of help!

Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari