First-Line Treatment of Ascites: Dietary Restriction and Diuretic Therapy

Ascites — accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity — is managed through a structured first-line approach that combines dietary intervention with pharmacological therapy. Both components work together to reduce fluid retention and achieve defined clinical endpoints.

First-line management of ascites starts with dietary sodium restriction alongside a diuretic agent — specifically, an aldosterone antagonist as the single agent of choice at this stage. The protocol specifies the starting point and the extent to which the diuretic may be escalated, but those details are in the full regimen.