👉 The reported fluid, often referred to as ascites, is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. This excess fluid can result from various underlying conditions, such as liver disease (like cirrhosis), heart failure, or kidney dysfunction. The fluid typically originates from increased capillary permeability and/or decreased oncotic pressure, leading to an imbalance in fluid dynamics. In liver cirrhosis, for example, damaged liver cells release substances that increase the permeability of blood vessels in the liver, allowing plasma proteins to leak into the space between the liver cells and the abdominal wall, causing fluid buildup. Ascites can also be a sign of congestive heart failure, where the heart's inability to pump effectively leads to fluid retention. In some cases, it may be due to kidney disease, where reduced kidney function leads to an accumulation of fluid and electrolytes in the body.
