Causes of ascites are :
* Liver cirrhosis : Liver failure in which liver tissue that is damaged is replaced by scar tissue. Alcoholic liver disease or alcoholic hepatitis (iver inflammation), viral hepatitis (B or C), and fatty liver disease are the most common causes for cirrhosis.
* Acute liver failure : This may be due to any acute injury to liver cells including adverse reactions to medications or drug abuse (acetominophen overdose)
* Budd-Chiari syndrome : This is caused by the blockage of the hepatic veins (those that drain the liver). This causes the triad of ascites, abdominal pain, and hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of the liver and spleen).
* Cancer: Cancer that has metastasized or spread to the liver can also be the source of ascites.