What is Ascites?

Ascites refers to the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, which is the space within the abdomen that houses various organs such as the intestines, liver, and others. This condition is often associated with a variety of underlying health issues, most commonly liver disease such as cirrhosis. When the liver fails to function properly, it can lead to increased pressure in the portal vein, causing fluid to leak into the abdominal cavity.

The accumulation can cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal swelling, discomfort, and difficulty breathing due to pressure on the diaphragm. Recognizing ascites is vital in clinical practice as it serves as an important indicator of significant underlying conditions that require further investigation and management.

In contrast, the other options describe different medical conditions. Inflammation of the gallbladder pertains to cholecystitis, which is a separate issue involving bile storage and digestion. A type of liver disease does relate to ascites but does not precisely define it as fluid accumulation is the hallmark. Lastly, swelling of the extremities refers to peripheral edema and does not capture the specific nature of ascites, which concerns the abdominal cavity specifically.