Many disorders can cause ascites, but the most common is high blood pressure in the veins that bring blood to the liver (portal hypertension), which is usually due to cirrhosis.
If large amounts of fluid accumulate, the abdomen becomes very large, sometimes making people lose their appetite and feel short of breath and uncomfortable.
Analysis of the fluid can help determine the cause.
Usually, a low-sodium diet and diuretics can help eliminate excess fluid.

(See also Overview of Liver Disease.)