👉 Delayed fluid, also known as hypoalbuminemia-associated edema or ascites, refers to the accumulation of fluid in body tissues that occurs when the levels of albumin, a crucial protein produced by the liver, are significantly reduced. Normally, albumin helps maintain fluid balance in the bloodstream by binding water molecules and preventing them from leaking out of blood vessels into tissues. When albumin levels drop, the balance shifts, causing fluid to accumulate in the spaces between cells (interstitial space), leading to swelling or edema. This condition is often seen in chronic liver diseases, heart failure, or kidney disorders, where the liver's ability to produce albumin is impaired, resulting in delayed fluid accumulation.
