Pathological accumulation of peritoneal fluid; cirrhosis is commonest cause.
History taking
- • Onset, duration, progression, severity
- • Aggravating / relieving factors
- • Past history, drugs, allergies, comorbidities
- • Family & social history relevant to presentation
Examination
- • General: vitals, pallor, icterus, oedema, lymphadenopathy
- • Focused system examination
- • Look for red-flag findings
Red flags
- • SBP: ascitic neutrophils >250/mm³ → cefotaxime
Differential diagnosis
- • See differentials section per chief complaint
Recommended investigations
- • USS abdomen
- • Diagnostic paracentesis: SAAG, protein, cell count, MCS
- • LFT, coag, RFT
Diagnosis
- • Clinical diagnosis supported by targeted investigations
Initial treatment / management
- • Salt restriction <2 g/day
- • Spironolactone 100 mg + furosemide 40 mg titrated 100:40 ratio
- • Therapeutic paracentesis with albumin 8 g/L removed
Follow-up advice
- • Review in 2–4 weeks or earlier if worsening
- • Monitor response to therapy and adverse effects
Patient counselling
- • Explain diagnosis and natural course in lay terms
- • Red-flag symptoms warranting urgent return
- • Adherence to medications and follow-up
Referral criteria
- • Refer if diagnostic uncertainty, complications, or failure of first-line therapy
References
- • Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21e
- • NICE / WHO guidelines (current edition)
Educational outpatient guide — verify against local guidelines before clinical use.
