Swollen Belly
Fluid buildup in the abdomen, leading to a swollen belly, is another common indication of liver failure. It is known in the medical field as ascites, a condition often occurring in patients with cirrhosis or scarring of the liver. According to studies, half of the people with liver cirrhosis may develop ascites. Also, about 80% of patients with a swollen belly due to a fluid buildup are cirrhosis patients.
People with cirrhosis whose liver function has significantly decreased may suffer from portal hypertension or high pressure in the vein that delivers blood to the liver. Such high pressure causes fluid to leak out from the veins into the peritoneum and collect there.
The peritoneum, which has two layers, is a sheet of tissue that covers the organs in the abdominal area, including the kidney, stomach, and liver. When fluid builds up, filling the space between the two layers of the peritoneum, ascites happens.
A swollen belly may also occur with other health issues, including congestive heart failure, kidney failure, cancer, and infections. Depending on its cause, ascites may come with other symptoms like back pain, fatigue, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, and swelling in the ankles.
