How to treat ascites?

The occurrence of ascites actually has a great impact on the body's internal environment, so the body needs to be adjusted in time, such as using diuretics to reduce ascites. If the situation is more serious, drug treatment is needed. Patients with ascites need to rest in bed more and get enough deep sleep.

therapy

Common treatments for peritoneal effusion are as follows:

1. Systemic supportive treatment includes a high-protein, high-calorie diet. Parenteral total intravenous nutrition, albumin infusion, etc. can support for a period of time.

2. Diuretic therapy can relieve abdominal distension symptoms. However, excessive diuresis can lead to dehydration, hypotension, low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalance, so it is necessary to pay attention to adjustment.

3. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy uses different chemotherapy drugs according to the primary cancer. Commonly used drugs include mitomycin, fluazifop, doxorubicin, and cisplatin.

4. In recent years, elemene emulsion has been used. After the abdominal fluid is drained, 400 mg/mL is injected once a week, and 10 mg of dexamethasone is injected at the same time for 2 weeks of treatment.

Nursing measures

(1) Bed rest: The resting environment should be quiet and comfortable. Those who are able to get out of bed should do light activities on time to enhance physical strength and digestive ability. People with large amounts of ascites that affect their breathing should rest in bed in a semi-recumbent position.

(2) Dietary care: People with ascites or renal dysfunction should control their sodium salt intake, consume less than 1 gram of salt per day, and drink less water when they have oliguria. If you use dehydrating agents at the same time, you should be careful to eat foods containing potassium ions such as citrus and watermelon juice. Porridge, lotus root powder and biscuits can be provided. The purpose is to increase the patient's appetite and ensure the intake of nutrients.

(3) Spiritual care: showing concern and consideration for patients, taking good care of them in daily life and comforting them spiritually, so as to build their confidence in disease treatment and help them recover as soon as possible.

(4) Skin and oral care: Keep the bed flat and dry. Because of edema in the buttocks, scrotum, lower limbs, and ankles, they can be padded with cotton pads. Patients who are bedridden for a long time should turn over once every 2 hours. Apply hot compresses and massage to the pressure parts of the body to promote blood circulation and prevent bedsores. Take care of your mouth before eating.

(5) Nursing for patients with large amounts of ascites: When patients have severe abdominal distension and discomfort, and when diuretics are ineffective, they can assist the doctor in draining the ascites appropriately to improve the excretion function of the kidneys. After draining the ascites, attention should be paid to changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and mental state.

(6) The amount of water you drink and lose over 24 hours should be accurately recorded, and your abdominal circumference should be measured and recorded once a day. When using diuretics, the drug performance and side effects should be closely observed. The electrolyte and acid-base balance in the blood should be checked promptly.

(7) Closely observe for the occurrence of complications. If there is a lung, skin, or urinary tract infection, observe the color, quality, and quantity of the stool at all times. If any bleeding or signs of hepatic coma are found, notify the doctor in time and prepare for rescue.