Cirrhosis Overview

Cirrhosis is a chronic, progressive disease of the liver in which normal liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. This scar tissue is caused by inflammation and damage to the liver cells, which in turn leads to diminished liver function.

There are many possible causes of cirrhosis, including viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, and fatty liver disease.

Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol, and medications to control symptoms and complications. In some cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.

Cirrhosis can be a serious and life-threatening condition, so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms, which can include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and abdominal pain.

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease that is a result of long-term liver damage. It can affect people of any age but is most common in men over the age of 45.

Read on for some helpful information about cirrhosis and what you can do to protect your liver.

 

What Are the Symptoms of Cirrhosis?

 

The most common symptom of cirrhosis is fatigue. Other symptoms can include:

• Muscle weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Itching
• Abdominal pain
• Fluid retention
• Spider-like blood vessels on the skin
• Confusion and memory loss
• Impotence
• Bruising and bleeding easily

If you have cirrhosis, it is important to see your doctor regularly. You will likely need to have blood tests and liver function tests done regularly to check for complications.

 

How Is Cirrhosis Diagnosed?

Cirrhosis is a serious condition that can lead to organ failure and death.

There is no one test that can definitively diagnose cirrhosis, but there are several tests that can be used to help confirm a diagnosis.

These tests may include blood tests to check for liver enzymes, a liver biopsy to check for scarring, and imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan.

 

Imaging Tests
There are a number of different imaging tests that can be used to diagnose liver disease. The most common of these is an ultrasound, which can be used to assess the size, shape, and texture of the liver.

Other tests that may be used include CT and MRI scans, as well as angiography (a test that uses X-rays to visualize the blood vessels).

In general, imaging tests are not used to specifically diagnose liver disease, but rather to identify possible problems that may be causing liver damage.

For example, an ultrasound may be used to identify a tumor that is causing liver damage, while a CT scan may be used to identify cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).

Once a potential cause of liver damage has been identified, further testing (such as biopsy) may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

 

Blood Test for Cirrhosis
A blood test for cirrhosis is used to detect the presence of the disease in an individual. The test measures the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in the blood that are indicative of liver damage. A positive result from the test indicates that the individual has cirrhosis and should be treated accordingly.

 

Liver Biopsy
Liver biopsy can be used to diagnose cirrhosis and to determine the severity of the condition. The procedure is usually performed using a needle that is inserted through the abdomen into the liver.
A small piece of liver tissue is then removed and examined under a microscope. Liver biopsy is generally safe, but there is a small risk of bleeding and infection.

If cirrhosis is suspected, it is important to see a doctor for further testing and treatment.

 

What Are the Causes of Cirrhosis?

The exact cause of cirrhosis is often unknown, but it can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Viral hepatitis
• Fatty liver disease

Cirrhosis can also be caused by certain medications, such as acetaminophen, and by certain medical conditions, such as hemochromatosis.

Cirrhosis is a serious condition that can lead to a number of complications, including liver failure, ascites, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Treatment for cirrhosis often focuses on managing the underlying cause and preventing further damage to the liver. In some cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.

 

Who Can Get Cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is a condition that can affect anyone, but it is most common in middle-aged adults. It occurs when the liver is damaged, and scar tissue forms in its place.

This scar tissue can prevent the liver from working properly. Cirrhosis can be caused by many things, including alcohol abuse, viral infections, and certain medications.

It can also be inherited. People with cirrhosis often have no symptoms until the disease is advanced. When symptoms do occur, they may include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).

Cirrhosis is a serious condition that can lead to liver failure. If you think you may have cirrhosis, see your doctor for a diagnosis.

 

How Is Cirrhosis Treated?

 

Cirrhosis is a progressive disease that can eventually lead to liver failure. There is no cure for cirrhosis, but treatment can help to slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for those affected.

Treatment for cirrhosis typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medical therapies, and, in some cases, surgery.

Lifestyle changes that can help to treat cirrhosis include eating a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, and getting regular exercise.

Medical therapies for cirrhosis can include medications to control symptoms, such as pain and fatigue. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove part of the damaged liver.

If you have cirrhosis, it is important to work with your healthcare team to create a treatment plan that is right for you.

With proper treatment, it is possible to manage the symptoms of cirrhosis and improve your quality of life.

 

The Difference Between Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a condition that results from the build-up of scar tissue in the liver.

Alcoholic cirrhosis is caused by chronic, heavy alcohol use, while non-alcoholic cirrhosis can be caused by a variety of conditions, including obesity, hepatitis C, and iron overload.

There are several key differences between alcoholic and non-alcoholic cirrhosis.

Alcoholic cirrhosis typically develops over many years, while non-alcoholic cirrhosis can develop much quicker.

Alcoholic cirrhosis is also more likely to cause symptoms such as jaundice and ascites, while non-alcoholic cirrhosis is more likely to cause fatigue and pain.

For alcoholic cirrhosis, this means abstaining from alcohol. For non-alcoholic cirrhosis, treatment may involve weight loss, exercise, and medications to control liver damage. In both cases, early diagnosis and treatment is essential for the best possible outcome.

When You Should See a Doctor

 

Cirrhosis is a term that is used to describe the damaged state of the liver. It is often the result of a long-term, chronic inflammatory process that can be caused by many different diseases.

Cirrhosis is an often-fatal disease, but it can be treated with a liver transplant if caught early enough.

If you would like to learn more about cirrhosis or would like to discuss your own cirrhosis diagnosis, please contact us for more information.

Cirrhosis is a serious disease that can lead to liver failure and liver cancer. You should be aware of Cirrhosis and its symptoms.

Dr. Schneider offer services such as endoscopy procedures, including gastroscopy, colonoscopy and video capsule endoscopy.

For more information on the diagnosis and treatment of IBD in Johannesburg, contact Dr. Schneider or book your consultation today.

Introduction

Liver disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.

The most common form of liver disease is hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver. Other common liver diseases include cirrhosis, which is a scarring of the liver, and liver cancer.

There are many different causes of liver disease, including viruses, alcohol abuse, and certain medications.

Early detection and treatment of liver disease is essential for preventing serious health complications and death.

There are several ways to detect liver disease in its early stages. Blood tests can show elevated liver enzymes, which is a sign of liver damage.

Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or CT scan, can also be used to detect liver disease.

 

What Is Liver Disease?

 

Liver disease is a broad term that covers any sort of damage or disease that affects the liver.

The liver is a vital organ that helps filter toxins out of the body, so when it isn’t functioning properly, it can cause a range of problems.

There are many different causes of liver disease, including viral infections, alcoholism, and fatty liver disease which we discuss in depth below.

In many cases, liver disease can be difficult to detect in its early stages because the symptoms can be vague and nonspecific.

That’s why it’s important to be aware of the risk factors and to see a doctor if you develop any of the potential warning signs.

 

 

 

 

What Are the Symptoms of Liver Disease?

 

Unfortunately, the early stages of liver disease often have few or no symptoms, making it difficult to detect.

However, there are some potential warning signs that should not be ignored.

Typical symptoms for liver disease include:

• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine
• Abdominal pain
• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Tendency to bruise easily

   

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible for testing.

 

What Are the Causes of Liver Disease?

 

There are many causes of liver disease, ranging from viral infections to chronic alcohol abuse.

Here we look at more causes of liver disease:

Alcohol
Alcohol is a major cause of liver disease. More than half of the people who die from liver disease each year are alcoholics. Alcohol is a poison that kills liver cells.

The liver can regenerate new cells, but if the damage is too great, the liver will fail. Alcoholism is a progressive disease. It typically starts with social drinking and then progresses to heavier drinking.

 

Hepatitis
One of the most common causes of liver disease is hepatitis. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or other factors.

There are several types of hepatitis, but the most common are hepatitis A, B, and C.

Hepatitis A is usually spread through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B is spread through contact with blood or other body fluids of an infected person.
Hepatitis C is spread through contact with blood of an infected person.

Most people with hepatitis don’t have any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

 

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Jaundice

 

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) describes a range of conditions caused by an accumulation of fat within the liver cells.

NAFLD is the most common type of chronic liver disease in the Western world and is estimated to affect 20-30% of the US population.

The exact cause of NAFLD is unknown, but it is thought to be linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes.

While NAFLD is not typically considered a serious condition, it can progress to more serious liver diseases such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis.

Treatment for NAFLD typically focuses on lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and a healthy diet.

 

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is one such type of liver disease, and it occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy liver cells.

This can lead to inflammation, scarring, and eventually, liver failure. There are a number of different factors that may contribute to the development of autoimmune hepatitis.

In some cases, it may be due to a genetic predisposition. In other cases, it may be triggered by a viral infection or another type of illness.

Still, in other cases, the exact cause of autoimmune hepatitis is unknown. If you have autoimmune hepatitis, it’s important to receive treatment as soon as possible.

 

Early Detection
The early detection of liver disease is crucial to preventing serious health complications.

Liver disease is a common ailment that can affect anyone, at any age.

There are many different types of liver disease, and they can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral infections, alcohol abuse, and exposure to certain chemicals or drugs. Liver disease can also be hereditary.

The most important thing you can do to protect your liver is to be aware of the signs and symptoms of liver disease.

 How Is Liver Disease Diagnosed?

Liver disease is diagnosed through a variety of methods, including:

• A physical exam
• Medical history
• Blood tests
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI
• Biopsy

Your doctor will likely start with a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history.

If your doctor suspects you have liver disease, they will order blood tests to check for elevated liver enzymes.

An ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be ordered to get a better look at the liver. A biopsy is the most definitive way to diagnose liver disease.

In a biopsy, a small piece of liver tissue is removed and examined under a microscope.

What Are the Treatment Options for Liver Disease?

 

Liver disease is a broad term that covers a spectrum of conditions that affect the liver.

Some liver diseases can be cured, while others can only be managed.

The treatment approach depends on the underlying cause of the liver disease. The most common treatment for liver disease is medication.

The type of medication prescribed will depend on the underlying cause of the liver disease.

In some cases, surgery may be required to remove a portion of the liver. In other cases, a liver transplant may be the only option.

Early detection and treatment of liver disease is essential for the best possible outcome.

If you suspect that you or a loved one may have liver disease, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, early detection and treatment of liver disease is essential for preventing serious health complications.

Liver disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that should be detected as early as possible. There are a number of tests and treatments available that can dramatically improve the outcomes for patients with liver disease.

If you think you may be at risk for liver disease, or if you have any symptoms of liver disease, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

There are many different types of liver disease, so it is important to see a doctor if you think you may have liver disease.

Contact Dr. Schneider

If you are at risk for liver disease, it is important to get tested so that you can begin treatment as soon as possible.
Dr. Schneider have been in private gastroenterology practice since 1981.  If you are concerned about your liver, talk to us today to book your appointment.

For further reading on the procedures we perform, please visit our website or contact Dr. Schneider on 011-482-3010.

 

 

The liver is the largest solid and internal organ in the body sits on the right side of the stomach, which is protected by the rib cage.

The liver is responsible for many important and complex functions which include:

• Manufacture (synthesize) proteins
• Produces and secretes bile (a substance needed to digest fats)
• Detoxify, by metabolizing and/or secreting, drugs, alcohol, and environmental toxins
• Stores Vitamins and iron
• Metabolize and store carbohydrates
• Stores and releases glucose

What Is Liver Disease?

Diseased or damaged liver results in the loss of critical functions and significant damage to the body which causes illness.

Generally, 75% or three-quarters of liver tissue needs to be damaged before a decrease in function takes place.

Liver disease is usually classified as either being acute or chronic.

Acute liver disease occurs when the liver is suddenly damaged. Chronic liver disease continues to affect the liver for 6 months or more.

For more info in liver disease, click here.

 

What Are the Early Signs and Symptoms of Liver Disease?

Both acute and chronic liver disease can interfere with the functions of the liver and thereby cause symptoms.

The good news is that the liver has a large reserve capacity, meaning it usually takes strong damage to the liver before symptoms appear.

The symptoms of liver disease may look like other health problems, so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis just to make sure.

When symptoms do appear, it can be either acute or chronic.

Acute

If your liver gets suddenly damaged, it is “acute.” Symptoms of acute liver disease are:

• Fatigue
• Yellowing of the eyes and skin (Jaundice)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Dark stools and urine
• Pain under the ribs on the right side

It’s important to note that up to 50% of people with acute liver disease have no symptoms at all.

Chronic

Your symptoms may vary, depending on how severe your liver problems are.

Chronic but mild disease may not cause any symptoms at all. If symptoms do appear, it can involve but not limited to:

• Gallstones
• Weight loss
• Muscle loss
• Loss of appetite
• Easy bruising
• Itching
• Kidney failure

 

How Is Liver Disease Diagnosed?

If you’re concerned you might have liver disease, it’s best to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist to determine the correct diagnosis.

You’ll first be asked about your medical history including a family history of liver problems.

Next, you’ll likely be asked questions about your symptoms. You may also have tests including:

 

Blood Tests

A collection of blood tests called liver function tests can be used to diagnose liver disease and identify how the liver is functioning.

 

Liver Biopsy

Small tissue samples are taken from the liver to help diagnose liver disease and look for signs of liver damage.

 

CT Scan 

X-rays can be used to look at deeper tissues within the liver in detail to diagnose several liver disease conditions.

Other Tests

Other tests can also be used which can include an MRI and ultrasound

 

Liver Disease Risk Factors and Causes

Certain causes and risk factors can increase your chances of developing either acute or chronic liver disease. This can include:

• Heavy alcohol intake
• Having unprotected intercourse
• Exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins
• Drug abuse
• Having diabetes or high cholesterol
• Sharing needles
• Having a family history of liver disease
• Being overweight
• Smoking
• Having high cholesterol
• Harmful supplements
• Immune disorders
• Parasites and viruses

 

How Is Liver Disease Treated?

Some types of acute liver disease get better on their own. For many people, liver diseases are chronic, which means it can last for many years and may never go away.

In some rare situations depending on your diagnosis, you may need surgery to remove all or part of your liver, or liver transplant surgery may also be recommended.

However, for most people, chronic liver diseases can be managed and controlled either with medications or through lifestyle changes to help keep symptoms at bay.

These might include:

• Limiting and cutting out alcohol and smoking
• Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a liver-friendly diet which includes reducing salt, trans fats and sugar and eating more fiber. Eating a high fiber diet helps the liver to work at an optimal level.

 

Liver Disease FAQ

Can Liver Damage Be Reversed?

Depending on the stage and individual, yes it is. The liver is the only organ in the body that is able to regenerate.

 

What Is The Name of Late-Stage Chronic Liver Disease?

Cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease.

Can Poor Nutrition Cause Liver Disease?

Except for alcohol, poor nutrition is not a cause of liver disease.

How Does Liver Disease Progress To Liver Failure?

If Cirrhosis becomes so severe that the liver can no longer function normally, the condition turns to liver failure, which is life-threatening and you may need a liver transplant.

Can Liver Disease Be Prevented?

Yes

If Someone Has Liver Disease, Are They Immediately Aware Of It?

Most of the times they are not

 

At GIDOCJHB, registered gastroenterologist, Dr. Schneider, has been been diagnosing and treating treating liver diseases for over a decade.

GiDOCJHB provides treatment options for chronic liver diseases.

Dr. Schneider evaluates the health and function of your liver, provides diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan that can help in the treatment of fatty liver disease.

 

 

What is the Liver’s Function?

Your liver has a lot of responsibility. The liver’s main job is to filter and clean the blood coming from the digestive tract before passing it to the rest of the body.

The liver also stores energy and assists in food digestion.

In short, the liver:

• Produces bile, which helps with digestion.
• Makes proteins for the body.
• Stores iron.
• Converts nutrients into energy.
• Creates substances that help your blood clot (stick together to heal wounds).
• Helps you resist infections by making immune factors and removing bacteria and toxins (substances that can harm your body) from your blood.

What is Fatty Liver Disease?

Fatty liver disease (steatosis) is a common condition caused by having too much fat build up in your liver. A healthy liver contains a small amount of fat.

It becomes a problem when fat reaches 5% to 10% of your liver’s weight. There are two types of fatty liver disease: non-alcoholic and alcoholic.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease occurs in people who aren’t heavy drinkers. Researchers haven’t found the exact cause of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Several factors, such as obesity and diabetes, can increase your risk.

Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic fatty liver is the accumulation of fat in the liver as a result of heavy drinking.

To find out more about Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, click here

 

Why is Fatty Liver Disease Bad?

If fat has developed in your liver, it may not function as well as it should and can lead to other health issues.

For just under 1 in every 3 people who are diagnosed with this disease, it gets worse over time and progresses through three stages:

• Your liver becomes inflamed (swollen), which damages its tissue.
• Scar tissue forms where your liver is damaged.
• Extensive scar tissue replaces healthy tissue. At this point, you have cirrhosis of the liver.

Fatty Liver Disease Causes and Risk Factors

Some people get fatty liver disease without having any pre-existing conditions. The cause of fatty liver disease is not entirely clear.

However, genetics may play a role. These risk factors make it more likely to get diagnosed with fatty liver disease:

• Being overweight or obese
• Having high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or insulin resistance.
• Taking certain prescription medications or steroids (check with your gastroenterologist)
• Alcohol abuse
• Have certain infections, such as hepatitis C
• Malnutrition

Fatty Liver Disease Diagnosis 

Without accurate, prompt diagnosis and appropriate care, fatty liver disease can cause liver scarring and permanent, irreversible damage or complete liver failure.

However, because there are often no symptoms, it is not easy to find fatty liver disease.

Your gastroenterologist may suspect that you have it if you get abnormal results on liver tests that you had for other reasons.

To make a diagnosis, your gastroenterologist will use:

• Your medical history = Questions may be asked regarding alcohol consumption, medication use (both prescription and over-the-counter) and past medical history
• A physical exam = Physical examination may reveal an enlarged liver that can be palpated or felt in the abdomen below the right rib margin. Otherwise, it may require the development of cirrhosis to elicit abnormalities on physical examination.
• Various tests, including blood and imaging tests, and sometimes a biopsy

Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease is sometimes called a silent liver disease, usually, because no symptoms occur until the disease progresses to cirrhosis of the liver.

However, If you do have symptoms, they may include:

• Severe tiredness
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Spiderlike blood vessels on the skin
• Long-lasting itching

   

 Schedule An Appointment With Dr. Schneider

Treatment and Lifestyle Changes

There is no specific treatment for fatty liver disease, but lifestyle changes can significantly improve the condition and perhaps even reverse it in the early stages. These changes include:

• Losing weight. Having a well-designed exercise and eating plan designed by a gastroenterologist or dietitian can be beneficial. Gradual weight loss is the key, as sudden, severe weight loss can actually make the condition worse. A person should try to avoid foods that are high in saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, or sugar.
• Avoiding medicines that may affect your liver, such as some steroids. Do not take medicines that have not been prescribed by your gastroenterologist.
• Avoiding all forms of alcohol
• Controlling your diabetes

 

When to Call Your Gastroenterologist

• If you have abdominal pain.
• If you notice any yellow skin color changes.
• If you have leg swelling.
• If you notice swelling of the abdomen.
• If you need a referral to a gastroenterologist (a physician specializing in diseases of the intestines, gallbladder, pancreas, and liver).  

Fatty Liver FAQ’s

Does fatty liver disease only affect obese individuals?

Obesity increases the risk of developing fatty liver disease. Thin people or those of average build can also get fatty liver.

Can children develop fatty liver disease?

Yes, that’s why it’s important to control your child’s weight through a healthy diet and exercise.

How do you prevent fatty liver disease?

Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise is still the key to protecting your liver.

 

At GiDocJHB, our team has the experience and expertise to accurately diagnose and offer cutting-edge medical treatments for the common liver diseases, including hepatitis B and hepatitis C, liver cancer, or cirrhosis.

By preventing or delaying additional liver damage and related complications through innovative therapies and treatment, Dr Schneider is dedicated to working towards improving patients’ health and the quality of life.

In addition to receiving the most effective therapies, patients receive personalized support and patient education to help them cope with long-term liver illness and treatment.

What are Liver Diseases?

Liver disease is any condition of liver function that causes infection, obstruction, illness or inflammation.

The liver is responsible for many important functions within the body and should it become diseased, the loss of those functions can cause significant damage to the rest of the body.

Usually, more than 75% or three-quarters of liver tissue needs to be affected before a decrease in bodily function occurs.

The liver performs numerous functions for the body, including:

• Helps digest your food, convert it into energy, and stores energy for future use
• Filtering toxic substances out of your blood
• Producing proteins and enzymes
• Maintaining hormone balances
• Storing some vitamins
• Making factors that help the immune system fight infection
• Removing bacteria from the blood
• Making bile, which is essential for digestion.

 

 

What Causes Liver Disease and Failure?

• Alcohol-Related Liver Disease: Regularly drinking too much alcohol.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease:Being very overweight (obese) – this may cause fat to build up in the liver.
• Viruses: Viruses including the Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus: They lead to liver damage or cirrhosis.
• Hepatitis B: It makes your liver swell and stops it from working the way it should.
• Hepatitis C: If you have it long-term, it can lead to cirrhosis.
• Haemochromatosis: A gene that runs in families and may be passed from parents to offsprings.
• Reaction to Medication: Reactions to certain prescription and herbal medications: Some kill cells in your liver. Others damage the duct system that moves bile through it.
• Chemical Toxicity: Exposure to certain toxic chemicals.
• Septic Shock: This overwhelming infection in your body can damage your liver or cause it to stop working
• Autoimmune disorders: This is a condition where the body’s infection-fighting system (immune system) attacks healthy tissue.

 

 

Are You at Risk?

Certain things can make you more likely to develop certain liver diseases. One of the most well-known ones is heavy drinking, which according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, defines as more than eight alcoholic drinks a week for women and more than 15 drinks a week for men.

Other risk factors include:

• Sharing needles
• Getting a tattoo or body piercing with non-sterile needles
• Doing a job where you are exposed to blood and other bodily fluids
• Having sex without using protection against sexually transmitted infections
• Having diabetes or high cholesterol
• Having a family history of liver disease
• Being overweight
• Exposure to toxins or pesticides
• Taking certain supplements or herbs, especially in large amounts
• Mixing certain medications with alcohol or taking more than the recommended dose of certain medications.

How are Liver Diseases Diagnosed?

Since there are so many different causes and types of liver diseases, the specific disease can be difficult to diagnose.

If you are concerned you might have a liver disease, it is best to make an appointment with your gastroenterologist to narrow down what is causing your symptoms.

Your Gastroenterologist is likely to start with your health history and thorough physical examination.

The following may be recommended:

• A complete blood count test. A group of blood tests called liver function tests can be used to diagnose liver disease. Other blood tests can be done to look for specific liver problems or genetic conditions.
• Imaging tests. An ultrasound, CT scan and MRI can show liver damage.
• Tissue analysis. Removing a tissue sample (biopsy) from your liver may help diagnose liver disease and look for signs of liver damage. A liver biopsy is most often done using a long needle inserted through the skin to extract a tissue sample. It is then analyzed in a laboratory.

 

Schedule an Appointment With Dr Schneider

 

 

How is Liver Disease/Failure Treated?

Treatment for liver disease depends on your diagnosis on whether it is acute or chronic.

For chronic liver failure, treatment includes changes to the diet and lifestyle, including:

• Avoiding alcohol or known medications that can harm the liver
• Avoiding or eating less of certain foods, such as red meat, cheese and eggs
• Regular exercise and control of metabolic risk factors, including high blood pressure and diabetes
• Reducing or cutting out salt in your diet.

For acute liver failure, treatment options include:

• Intravenous (IV) fluids to maintain blood pressure;
• Medications such as laxatives to help flush toxins out
• Blood glucose (sugar) monitoring; glucose is given to the patient if blood sugar drops.

In both acute (sudden) and chronic liver failure, the doctor may recommend a liver transplant. Before transplantation, doctors thoroughly screen transplant candidates to make sure a new organ might help them before placing them on organ waiting lists.

 

What are the Likely Causes of My Symptoms?

• What kind of tests do I need to go through and do these tests require any special preparation from me?
• Are my liver problems likely acute or chronic?
• What treatment options are available?
• Should I stop taking certain medications or vitamins?
• How much alcohol can I drink?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?

If you have more question about your liver condition, contact Dr Schneider and book your appointment today.