Is Fluid Accumulation In Abdomen Normal Of An Elderly Person?

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for asking on HCM!

I read your question and would like to have some more information on your concern.

Is this just a feeling you have or you have performed any tests (for ex.: a cardiac ultrasound, a chest xray study,etc)?

How long have you been having these symptoms?

Anxiety and depression could cause this kind of feeling.

You should know that in case there is fluid around the heart (like in pericarditis), you don't feel it, but other symptoms are present like fatigue, leg swelling, palpitations, shortness of breath, a low blood pressure etc..

What are your blood pressure values? Do you have any of the above mentioned symptoms?

I recommend consulting with your GP for a careful physical examination and perform some tests (if you have not performed any):

- a resting ECG and a cardiac ultrasound
- a chest x ray study
- some blood lab tests (complete blood count, PCR, sedimentation rate, kidney and liver function tests, blood electrolytes, fasting glucose).

If all the above tests result normal, the main cause of your symptoms would be just anxiety.

You should discuss with your attending physician on the above mentioned issues.

Hope to have been helpful!

Feel free to ask any other questions, whenever you need!

Best regards,

Dr. Iliri

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Brief Answer:
I recommend performing the above mentioned tests to establish the cause

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Thank you for the additional information provided.

I would like to explain that it is normal to have a small amount of fluid in the body cavities like abdomen, pericardium, pleural space, etc, but normaly this amount is not notices (it serves as a lubricator for these surfaces).

During different disorders (inflammatory, tumoral, increased fluid retention, etc) this amount of fluid increases and becomes visible during the physical examination.

And this is not a normal thing for your age. Some investigations for the possible cause should be done.

What is your past medical history, besides arthritis?Have you suffered from any cardiac, liver, kidney disorders?

Have you gained weight lately?

An increased fluid retention in your body, related to a cardiac disorder, kidney or liver disorder, could cause ascitis (which is increased fluid in your abdomen).

From the other hand, an inflammatory disorder or a tumor could mimic this clinical scenario, but without weight gain.

I recommend performing the tests I mentioned in my previous answer, to determine the cause of your symptoms.

Hope to have been helpful!

Best wishes,

Dr. Iliri

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