Symptoms of Ascites Archives | Dr. Vikram Chauhan's Blog

Ascites Symptoms, Causes and Herbal Treatment

ABSTRACT

Ascites also known as Jalodara in Ayurveda is one among Udara Roga. According to Ayurveda Jalodara is the accumulation of water in the abdominal cavity exceeding 25 ml. It often occurs due to cirrhosis or other liver disease. Decreased digestive fire accompanied by unbalanced doshas causes Ascites. Symptoms such as abdominal heaviness and stiffness, shortness of breath, bloating, wheezing, edema of feet, and dilated veins are seen in Ascites. Let’s discuss it in detail.

INTRODUCTION

Ascites are described briefly in Ayurvedic literature. According to Ayurveda, Ascites are caused by various other pathologies like heart disease, liver diseases, splenomegaly, kidney diseases, wasting diseases, etc. Ayurvedic management with drugs that increase digestive fire, hepatoprotective drugs, daily therapeutic purgation and only a milk diet that acts by breaking down the pathogenesis gives good results in ascites. Diet restrictions are majorly advised in Ascites.

MAJOR CAUSES OF ASCITES

Liver diseases like Liver Cirrhosis, Liver Cancer (Cirrhosis being the major cause).
Portal Hypertension
Heart Diseases
Pancreatitis
Hypoalbuminemia
Peritoneal Tuberculosis
Malnutrition

SYMPTOMS OF ASCITES

Large distended Abdomen
Protruded belly button
Lack of appetite
Vomiting
Indigestion
Increased Thirst
Abdominal discomfort
Shortness of Breath
Coughing
Visible veins on the abdomen
Swelling in lower legs
Bloating
Painless swelling in the abdomen

DIAGNOSIS

FLUID SAMPLE: A needle is used to aspirate fluid from your abdomen.
BLOOD TEST : Initial investigations include cell count,differential,total protein.
IMAGING: Images of the inside of your abdomen are taken using ultrasound, MRI, or a CT scan.
LAPAROSCOPY: It is done to rule out the cause of ascites.

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

As per the Ayurvedic Point of view, Ascites also known as Jalodara is mainly due to blockages of channels (Strotas) causing heart problems, Kidney diseases, Portal Hypertension, and Liver diseases ultimately leading to Ascites. .It falls under the type of Udara roga. In Ayurveda, aggravated Vata gets accumulated in Udara between skin and muscle tissue leading to swelling, this is being termed as Udararoga. Procedures like Swedana ie. Sedation, Diuresis, Nitya Mridu Virechana ie . regular use of mild purgatives are used. Herbal drugs like Punarnava, Pippali, Haritaki, etc are used along with it drugs that are carminative and hepatoprotective in nature are used. Dietary measures like decreasing salt intake, only a milk diet is recommended.

TREATMENT AS PER AYURVEDA

Ayurveda gives effective results in Ascites by treating Agni (Digestive fire) and unbalanced Dosha. Through Nidana Parivarjana (avoiding causative factors), Agni Deepan (Provocation of digestion), and Nitya Virechana (daily therapeutic purgation followed with sodium restriction is used to treat ascites. Further treatment of ascites is given below:

Herbal Formulations Include

Powders: Patola Muladha Churana, Narayan Churan.
Vati: Arogyavardhini vati, Punarnava Mandoor Vati.
Ghrita: Panchakola Ghrita, Chitrak Ghrita, Nagaradi Ghrita.

Herbal Drugs like Punarnava, Brihata Panchamoola, Shunthi, etc.
Snehana (Oleation): It is used before the Panchakarma treatment. Dashamoola oil and Narayan oil is used in oleation therapy
Swedana (Sedation): Swedan is done to remove toxins accumulated in circulatory channels.
Virechana (Purgation): In Virechan there is induction of purgation to remove toxins from the body. Nitya Virechan is given in ascites. Castor oil with rock salt, castor oil with Triphala kwath, Kutki, Mustaka, Trivrita are used for Nitya Mridu Virechan.
Shastra Karam: It is a surgical procedure done using an instrument. An incision is given on the left side of the abdomen below the umbilicus. A metallic tube is inserted through a puncture and accumulated fluid is drawn out. All the accumulated fluid is not drained out once and this procedure is repeated again. Administration of water is strictly prohibited after Shastra Karama.
Kshara: The patient is given Tikshana Kshara with Gaumutra.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ASCITES BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda offers the best combination of effective herbal remedies such as the Ascites Care Pack for the Ayurvedic treatment of Ascites. Ascites care pack contains medicines in the form of Tablets and Capsules. It is a polyherbal pack that contains Punarnava, liver detox capsules, jalodarari rasa, etc. For natural and herbal treatment always look for natural products which contain pure extracts and are formulated under GMP guidelines. Planet Ayurveda products are scientific and certified. They are free from any chemicals, additives, and preservatives. Products of Planet Ayurveda are formulated by MD Doctors and are 100% natural, pure, and free from side effects.

Product List

- 1. Punarnava Capsules
  2. Water-EX tablets
  3. Rencure Formula
  4. Liver detox Capsules
  5. Jalodari Rasa

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Punarnava Capsules

Punarnava capsules are an effective formulation that contains a single herb ie. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa). Punarnava is helpful in liver abnormalities and in decreasing the accumulation of water in the abdomen by removing excess water through urine.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with warm water after meals.

2. Water-EX tablets

Water-EX tablets are herbal formulations that contain Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Varuna (Crataeva nurvala), and Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). These herbs in Water Ex Tablets balance Kapha and Vata dosha and are diuretic, demulcent, and anti-inflammatory in nature. Therefore it is helpful in eliminating excess fluid.

Dosage: 2 tablets thrice daily with warm water after meals.

3. Rencure Formula

It is an effective formulation which contains Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Varuna (Crataeva nurvala), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Palash (Butea monosperma), Kasni (Cichorium intybus). It treats kidneys by reducing their destruction, maintaining normal creatinine levels, increasing urine output, treating proteinuria and maintaining normal functioning of kidneys.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with warm water after meals.

4. Liver Detox Capsules

Liver detox capsules contains hepatoprotective herbs like Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Makoy (Solanum nigrum ), Biranjasipha (Achillea millefolium-yarrow), Jhavuka (Tamarix gallica), Himsra (Capparis spinosa) Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Kasni (Cichorium intybus) which are helpful in removing toxins from liver and maintains fat metabolism. These herbs maintain normal liver activity by normalising liver functioning.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with warm water after meals

5. Jalodari Rasa

It is a wonderful formulation that contains Pippali (Piperlongum), Maricha ( Piper nigrum), Tamra Bhasma (Calx prepared from copper), Turmeric (Curcuma longum), Jaipal (Croton tiglium), Snuhi ksheera (Euphorbia neriifolia). Tamra Bhasma in Jalodari Rasa helps in reducing abdominal distension/pain caused by ascites. It reduces inflammation caused by accumulated fluid by removing excess water from the abdomen./

Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily with warm water after meals.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

CONCLUSION

Alternative treatment for ascites can help in treating ascites and reducing the symptoms of ascites. Water retention and edema in ascites can be easily tackled by Ayurvedic treatment, a good diet followed by precautions. Further complications of ascites can be avoided by following Ayurvedic treatment. Therefore Ayurveda is an authentic and well-proven solution for treating Ascites.

How to Treat Ascites with Natural Remedies ?

Introduction

Ascites is an accumulation of protein-containing (ascitic) fluid within the abdomen. It is considered a frequent complication at the last stage of liver disease as well as other fluid retention conditions like peripheral edema. The fluid accumulated may also travel to the chest and cause difficulty in breathing.

Ascites

Ascites can occur due to kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis & tuberculosis. Liver Cirrhosis is responsible for 85% of ascites. There are Refractory ascites that recur after treatments, in this the fluid buildup cannot be reduced by a low sodium diet or diuretics, non-complicated Ascites wherein a symmetrical distention and swelling of the abdomen occurs and an ultrasound detects the presence of fluids and Chylous ascites which is caused by leakage of lymph from a ruptured lymph vessel.

Ascites can occur in children too and are most commonly associated with liver, kidney and heart disorders.

Causes of Ascites

The protein leaks from the kidney leads to accumulation of fluids in abdominal cavity. Ascites occurs due to improper functioning of the liver. Portal hypertension or increased pressure in the blood flow to the liver is the main contributor of Ascites.
Certain cancers like liver, stomach, breast, colon and pancreas, also lead to ascites.
Too much alcohol consumption leads to ascites.
Other causes include kidney problems, pancreatitis and clots in the veins of the liver and heart.

Symptoms of Ascites

If Ascites is mild, there are no symptoms associated with it. The fluid buildup causes swelling that usually develops over a few weeks or it may happen in just few days.
The most common symptoms of Ascites are shortness of breath and abdominal pain.
Other symptoms may include large belly / enlarged abdomen, feeling of fullness/bloating, indigestion, urine urgency, constipation, vomiting, heartburn, nausea, loss of appetite, swelling in the ankles and legs, fever, jaundice.

Diagnosis of Ascites

Diagnosis of Ascites is based on physical examination of the patient along with detailed medical history.Ultrasound is done to detect small amount of fluids. CT scan is done to evaluate other conditions. Blood work plays an essential role in determining ascites. A procedure called paracentesis is performed to withdraw some fluid for testing in the lab.Other tests like urine analysis, kidney function analysis, liver function analysis, electrolyte level tests may be performed.

Treatment and Home Remedies of Ascites

Treatment of Ascites is based on the underlying cause. A change in diet and proper medication helps in managing the symptoms of Ascites. In some cases, surgery and liver transplant are the only options. The diet recommended for Ascites patients is low in sodium and they are prescribed diuretics or water pills as diuretics increase water and salt excretion from the kidneys and prevent further fluid retention. It is advised to consume high blood pressure diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, pineapples and healthy fats, sprouted whole grains and oats. Salt intake should be minimal by the patients. A diet rich in potassium and magnesium is recommended as they reduce water retention and lower the blood pressure. One should consume bananas, beets, mushrooms, avocados and dark leafy vegetables.

It is recommended to consume smaller meals throughout the day. It is very important to consume organic foods as with Ascites, the liver functioning gets reduced and the body is not able to detoxify blood properly.

Home Remedies for Ascites

Some simple home remedies also help in managing the symptoms of Ascites. These include:

1. Dandelion Root Tea

Dandelion-Root-Tea

Drinking Dandelion Root Tea increase urine frequency and volume which helps in reducing the edema and fluid retention. Dandelion is loaded with potassium, vitamin A, C and K and minerals like calcium, iron and magnesium. Dandelion Root tea may be prepared by steeping the root in hot water for 10 minutes and then strained and cooled down. One may add some honey for taste. Dandelion aids in digestion and has anti-inflammatory effects on the affected liver.

2. Consumption of Coconut Water

coconut-water

Coconut water is high in potassium and electrolytes. It helps one stay hydrated while being on the limited liquid diet.

3. Fenugreek seeds

fenugreek

Drinking water which had Fenugreek seeds soaked overnight helps in reducing inflammation and eliminating the free radicals that cause damage to the body.

4. Ginger and Garlic

garlic-ginger

Ginger tea may be prepared by adding crushed or grated ginger to boiling water, a little honey may be mixed to it for taste. Ginger is an excellent diuretic and it removes excess water from the body through urine and thus treats edema naturally. Same way garlic may be crushed and its juice is taken on an empty stomach to help reduce bloating and tenderness associated with Ascites.

5. Mixture of Carrot and Radish Juice

carrot-radish

A very simple and effective home remedy to treat Ascites is to take fresh carrot juice and fresh radish juice daily. It helps to relieve pain and swelling in the body. It also aids in healthy digestion. Carrots and Radishes have a cleansing effect on the liver and aids in releasing excess bile and fats. They are natural detoxifiers.

6. Onions

onions

It is must to include onions in the diet to get rid of fluid buildup. Onions help in eliminating toxins and excess fluids from the body.
To get rid of swelling in the feet, it is advised to soak feet in water with Epsom salt mixed in it. Epsom salt detoxifies the body and relaxes the body at the same time.

7. Important Tips

It is necessary to avoid processed foods, fried /oily foods, starchy foods, and milk products for faster recovery.

Practicing Yoga asanas also helps Ascites patients. Asanas alike Lolasana or Pendant Pose, Mayurasana or Peacock pose and Baddha Padmasana or Locked lotus pose are very beneficial in relieving the pressure on the abdomen.

Ascites causes a lot of discomforts and if not treated on time, it can lead to several organ failures. Ascites significantly impact the quality of life and there is no permanent cure to it. The natural treatments are best to relieve symptoms of pain and discomfort.