Ascites Safest Management With Ayurveda

Abstract

Ascites is the pathological accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. It is a common manifestation of liver failure and often a clinical sign of portal hypertension. Ascites is typically a consequence and complication of various diseases, including hepatic, cardiac, renal conditions, malignancies, and infections. It is generally associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Complications arising from ascites include spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and hepatorenal syndrome. Other contributing factors include alcohol consumption, obesity, and intravenous drug use. In healthy individuals, only a minimal amount of intraperitoneal fluid is present. Some women may naturally have around 20 ml of fluid during the menstrual cycle. Determining the etiology of ascites requires a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Management strategies involve sodium and fluid restriction, diuretics, and in some cases, surgical procedures. Complications like spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and refractory ascites can be life-threatening.

Introduction

Ascites refers to the accumulation of fluid in the space between the layers lining the abdominal organs. It causes abdominal swelling and may lead to symptoms such as discomfort, weight gain, pain, shortness of breath, and difficulty moving. Ascites also increase the risk of abdominal infections and, in severe cases, fluid may move into the chest cavity and surround the lungs.

Causes

Ascites develop primarily due to high pressure in the liver veins (portal hypertension) and low blood levels of albumin. The following are common causes:

Liver-Related Causes

• Alcohol abuse
• Hepatitis B and C infections
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Genetic liver cirrhosis

Cancer-Related Causes

• Cancers of the liver, pancreas, colon, appendix, ovaries, and uterus

Other Medical Conditions

• Congestive heart failure
• Pancreatitis
• Pericardial diseases (thickening and scarring of the sac around the heart)
• Chronic kidney disease and patients undergoing dialysis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ascites may develop slowly or suddenly, depending on the underlying cause. Initially, there may be no symptoms when fluid accumulation is minimal. As it progresses, common symptoms include:

• Abdominal bloating and swelling
• Discomfort or pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Nausea

Investigations

Clinical evaluation includes a physical examination to assess abdominal distension. Diagnostic tests include:

• 24-hour urine analysis
• Electrolyte panel
• Kidney and liver function tests
• Urine analysis
• Abdominal ultrasound
• CT scan of the abdomen

Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

• Avoid alcohol
• Low-sodium diet
• Restrict fluid intake

Medications

• Diuretics
• Antibiotics for infections

Procedures

• Paracentesis: Insertion of a needle into the abdomen to remove fluid
• TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt): A shunt placed in the liver to improve blood flow

Liver transplant is considered the final option in advanced cases.

Complications

• Hepatorenal syndrome (kidney failure)
• Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
• Hepatic encephalopathy (mental confusion)
• Protein malnutrition and weight loss
• Pleural effusion (fluid in the chest cavity)
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Liver cirrhosis

Ayurvedic Approach To Ascites

In Ayurveda, ascites are correlated with Jalodara, a type of Udara Roga (abdominal disorder). Despite advancements in modern medicine, no definitive cure exists, and dietary restrictions and procedures mentioned in ancient texts are still relevant. According to Ayurveda, Vata and Kapha doshas are primarily involved. These doshas accumulate between the Twak (skin) and Mamsa (muscle tissue), causing Shotha (swelling), leading to Udara Roga. Management focuses on dietary control which includes diet chart for Ascites, promoting digestion, and detoxifying the body through purgation (Virechana).

Symptoms (Ayurvedic Perspective)

• Udara Vedana (abdominal pain)
• Udara Vriddhi (abdominal swelling)
• Chardi/Vaman (nausea/vomiting)
• Shrama and Daurbalya (fatigue and weakness)
• Agnimandya (indigestion)
• Shvasa (shortness of breath)

Complications

• Vaman (vomiting)
• Atisara (diarrhea)
• Trishna (excessive thirst)
• Hikka (hiccups)
• Parshwashool (side pain)
• Mutraghata (urinary retention)

Ayurvedic Management (Chikitsa)

• Use of Gomutra (cow urine) for balancing water element
• Herbs with Tikshna (sharp) and Lekhana (scraping) properties
• Warm, light, digestion-stimulating foods
• Restriction of water and fluids
• Purgation therapies (Virechana) to detoxify the system
• Milk is considered restorative and is recommended in a controlled manner

Herbal Remedies For Ascites By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified company. Their products are delivered all over the world. They provide natural herbal remedies for many diseases. All the medications are prepared by expert doctors. All the products of Planet Ayurveda are formed naturally. These herbal remedies are prepared by good quality herbs and follow the basic principles of Ayurveda. They make many medicines but in this disease their Ascites Care Pack is very good.

Products Description

1. Punarnava Capsules

This is in the form of capsules which are formed of a single herbal formulation made up of natural standardised extract of Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa). It has many wonderful properties like anti-inflammatory and effective diuretic, Profitable in anaemia and also wipes out water accumulation. It is very effective in ascites.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with warm water after meals.

2. Rencure Formula Capsule

Rencure formula is in the form of a capsule which is made up of natural extract of the wonderful herbs like Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) and Varun (Createva religiosa) and others. It has beneficial properties like it helps in urine retention, kidney diseases. It helps to maintain healthy renal functioning

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with warm water after a meal.

3. Water-EX Tablet

Water EX tablets are in the form of a herbal tablet. This is made up of herbs like Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) and Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa). It has many wonderful properties like water retention from the body and Chronic Kidney disease and in ascites. In this Gokshur is helping in urine excretion from the body and punarnava helps in urinating more frequently to expel extra water from your body.

Dosage: 2 tablets thrice daily with warm water after a meal.

4. Liver Detox Capsule

Liver detox is in the form of capsules which are made up of herbs like Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa) and Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and many others. It has many beneficial properties like induce purgation, useful in liver cirrhosis. In addition to punanava it helps in filtration of the kidney and flush out the excessive fluid from the body.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with warm water after a meal.

5. Jalodhari Rasa

Jalodhari ras is an herbomineral formulation which is formed by Shuddh gandhak (Purified sulphur) and marich (Piper nigrum) and Sonth churna (Zinger officinalis) and many other herbs will be used in this formulation. It is helpful in dealing with minor digestive issues like bloating and also very useful in liver issues and ascites.
Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily with warm water after food.

Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily with warm water after food.

Conclusion

This article provided a comprehensive overview of ascites, a condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. We discussed its causes, symptoms, diagnostic investigations, and modern treatment options. From an Ayurvedic perspective, ascites are correlated with Jalodhara, a subtype of Udara Roga. We explored the symptoms and complications as described in classical Ayurvedic texts, along with the holistic management strategies that include dietary regulation, detoxification therapies, and the use of specific herbal formulations.Planet Ayurveda offers a specialized Ascites Care Pack, which includes high-quality, natural herbal remedies formulated under expert supervision. These remedies aim to manage the root cause of the disease and support overall liver and kidney health with ayurvedic treatment for Ascites. Their holistic approach makes this care pack an effective option for those seeking natural support in managing ascites.