ascites that's the medical term for fluid buildup in the abdomen your belly this can happen to people with scarring in the liver called cirrhosis for some people the fluid can move up to the space around the lungs that's called pleural effusion let's look at what causes this fluid buildup blood usually flows from the portal vein into the liver like water from a hose into a sponge but if the sponge gets hard like a rock water can't flow in as easily and pressure builds in the hose just like the hose in the rock pressure in the portal vein builds when the liver hardens when the pressure gets too high fluid leaks out and builds in your belly it can also move up into the space around your lungs this can be uncomfortable and make it hard to eat and breathe if you have fluid buildup your healthcare team will ask you to lower the amount of salt or sodium in your diet you should take in less than 2 000 milligrams each day this will help lessen your fluid buildup your team might also prescribe water pills called diuretics to help you get rid of extra fluid when you pee diuretics can have side effects so you'll need to get regular blood tests and keep track of your weight this will help your team see how you're doing and decide if you need to adjust your diuretics let them know if you're dizzy not peeing much or losing weight quickly if you have a lot of fluid buildup you might need it drained with a needle for ascites or fluid in the belly this procedure is called a paracentesis and for fluid around the lungs it's called a thoracentesis you might need the fluid drained just once or you might need it done every week or two bacteria can grow in the fluid causing a dangerous infection watch for a fever sharp pain in your belly or chest feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up if you have any of these symptoms call your doctor or nurse right away or go to the emergency department we understand you may have many thoughts and feelings after being diagnosed with cirrhosis remember your healthcare team is here to support you please let them know if you have questions to learn more about cirrhosis visit cirrhosiscare.ca or myhealth.alberta.ca